Studies From the Book of Romans

Adult Division, No. 308, Second Quarter, 1972

Second

Quarter

1972

Outline of Topics

God's Way of Dealing With Sin

The Just Judgment of God

Made Right With God by Faith

Justification Versus Condemnation

Christ, the Deliverer From Sin

Walking With Jesus

God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile

Justification by Faith, an Old Testament Principle

The Sovereignty and Mercy of God

10.

Exhortations to Church Members

11.

Love and Tolerance in the Life of the Christian

12.

Mercy for the Gentiles

13.

Called According to His Purpose

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 308, April-June, 1972. 35 cents a single

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Cover painting by Charles Zingaro;



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comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda-

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the lesson."—Counsels

on Sabbath School Work,

page 53.

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prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School

lesson each day of the week.

(signed)

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GOD'S WAY O SETING

MIEN REGFETI

(Studies From the Book of Romans)

General Introduction

The Jewish colony at Rome to whom the apostle Paul addresses the epistle

to the Romans represents in large part people who had come to the city be-

cause of its commercial advantages. Some were wealthy and influential.

Others were slaves brought from Jerusalem by Pompey to adorn his triumph

and later set free. Although the Jews dwelling in Rome enjoyed the favor

of the Caesars, they were held in contempt by the general population of the

Romans.

There were Jews of the synagogue to whom the gospel had not yet been

preached, or by whom it had long since been rejected. Others were in con-

temptuous ignorance of "this sect" which was "everywhere spoken against."

Acts 28:22. It was to these chief spokesmen that Paul expounded the kingdom

of God; and in the epistle he wrote, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth;

to the

Jew first,

and also to the Greek." Rom. 1:16.

The message of Romans shows how the gospel and the gospel alone fully

answers the need which all men have for salvation. It deals with the law, with

sin, and with grace. By exaggerating some features and disregarding others,

it is easy to give an air of plausibility to very different and widely separated

views about Romans. There could be lengthy discussions also about the pur-

pose of the epistle.

We could hope that a discussion of the lessons will center not so much

about Paul and his background and his times as around what the Lord was

saying to that generation and to this one through His servant. All Scripture

is given to us "by inspiration of God." There are deep veins of truth in the

book of Romans that the people of God need for this time of revival and

reformation. Let us not overlook them.

LESSON 1

March 26 to April 1

GOD'S WAY OF DEALING WITH SIN 1

"This epistle [Romans] is really the chief

part of the New Testament and the pur-

est gospel, which not only deserves to

be known by heart by a Christian, word

for word, but to be studied daily as the

daily bread of the soul." Martin Luther.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto

salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

Rom. 1:16.

The Christians at Rome were a commu-

nity of diverse people drawn from various

nations and creeds in which practically

every variety of Christian thought and

feeling then current found a place. One of

the great religious questions of the time

was the relationship of Judaism to Chris-

tianity and of Gentile converts to Jewish

practices then being observed by Jewish

Christians.

Paul hoped to be able to preach the gos-

pel to the Jews of the synagogue in Rome,

some of whom held the followers of Christ

in contempt. It is clear also that Paul hoped

to preach the gospel to the Gentiles at

Rome who had not yet heard it.

The book of Romans represents a de-

tailed exposition of God's plan for the sal-

vation of mankind as it is revealed in the

gospel. The substance of its teaching is that

the gospel and the gospel alone fully an-

swers the soul's need for salvation, and this

is a need which neither paganism nor Ju-

daism could satisfy.

"The apostle regarded himself as 'debtor

both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians,'

as well as to the Jews; but he never lost

sight of the decided advantages possessed

by the Jews over others, 'chiefly, because

that unto them were committed the oracles

of God.' . . . It is of this gospel of Christ,

equally efficacious for Jew and Gentile, that

Paul in his epistle to the Romans declared

he was not ashamed."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

page 380.

LESSON OUTLINE

Messenger of the Gospel

Rom. 1:1,2

The Divine Purpose

Rom. 1:5, 6

The Church in Rome

Rom. 1:7-10

Theme of the Epistle

Rom. 1:16

Sinners Without Excuse

Rom. 1:18

Results of Apostasy

Rom. 1:23-25

Part 1

MESSENGER

OF THE GOSPEL

Rom. 1:1, 2

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Sunday

March 26

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apos-

tle, separated unto the gospel of God, (which He had

promised afore by His prophets in the Holy Scriptures)."

While the twelve disciples had been chosen by Jesus and

were with Him during His earthly ministry (Acts 1:21), Paul

had not enjoyed this advantage. But he was nonetheless an

apostle by divine call. Gal. 1:1. Though he considered himself

as "one born out of due time" (1 Cor. 15:8), perhaps a refer-

ence to the lateness of his conversion, his call was no less real

or effectual.

What was the good news Paul sought to preach? Rom.

1:3.

The gospel that tells of Christ's sacrifice for the lost is the

fulfillment of all that was old, the starting point of all that was

new. It says that God has been with us, that He has unveiled

Himself to us here, so that He might be, as man, the restorer

of mankind.

What did Paul offer as proof of the divinity of Christ?

Rom. 1:4.

We are commissioned, as was Paul, to carry the gospel

to our generation. But now, when transgression has al-

most reached its limit, am I readily satisfied with offering

the Lord trifling acts of service?

God's Way of Dealing With Sin

LESSON 1

"For the epistle to the church at

Rome, every Christian has reason to

thank God.

"In this letter Paul gave free expres-

sion to his burden in behalf of the Jews.

Ever since his conversion, he had longed

to help his Jewish brethren to gain a

clear understanding of the gospel mes-

sage. 'My heart's desire and prayer to

God for Israel is,' he declared, 'that

they might be saved.'

"It was no ordinary desire that the

apostle felt. Constantly he was peti-

tioning God to work in behalf of the

Israelites who had failed to recognize

Jesus of Nazareth as the promised

Messiah. 'I say the truth in Christ,' he

assured the believers at Rome, 'my con-

science also bearing me witness in the

Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness

and continual sorrow in my heart. For

I could wish that myself were accursed

from Christ for my brethren, my kins-

men according to the flesh.' "—"The

Acts of the Apostles," page 374.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"Prophets and Kings," page 105; "Gospel Workers," pages

264, 265.

God's Way of Dealing With Sin

LESSON 1



❑

Monday

March



Part 2



"By whom we have received grace and apostleship,

THE DIVINE for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His

PURPOSE name: among whom are ye also the called of Jesus

Rom. 1:5, 6 Christ."

The Scriptures speak of various kinds of calls. One is a call

to civil service. God called Cyrus to the conquest of nations

and to be the protector of Israel. Isa. 45:1, 4. A person's secular

employment is said to be his calling; it is the work to which

God invites him. 1 Cor. 7:20. There is also a call to office, as

when Paul was called to the apostleship. Rom. 1:1. Thus every

true minister of the gospel is called of God. 1 Cor. 12:7-11.

There is also a call to mankind, wherever the gospel is preached,

to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. But though

all without exception are thus invited, few accept and hence

few are chosen. Matt. 22:1-10; Acts 17:30; compare Prov.

8:4; Isa. 55:6, 7.

Through his apostleship, what was Paul to lead the

Gentiles to do? Rom. 1:5, 6.

Today's English Version

captures the meaning of the Greek

in a very interesting way:

"Through Him God gave me the privilege of being an apos-

tle, for the sake of Christ, in order to lead people of all nations

to believe and obey. This also includes you who are in Rome,

whom God has called to belong to Jesus Christ."

The gospel calls for a response on the part of the hearer.

1 Peter 1:22; Acts 6:7. God commands as well as invites and

offers. 1 John 3:23. Unbelief and rejection of Christ constitute

rebellion against God. Faith is itself obedience. When God

speaks, men are not to quibble and offer their own reasoning,

but they are to believe and accept.

Who are called of Christ? 1 Cor. 1:2, 7; Acts 9:32;

Eph. 1:1.



THINK IT THROUGH



Am I willing to obey all that the Lord has said, or do

I have some reservations about what His Word plainly

says I should do?

"The warfare against God's law,

which was begun in heaven, will be

continued until the end of time. Every

man will be tested. Obedience or dis-

obedience is the question to be decided

by the whole world. All will be called

to choose between the law of God and

the laws of men. Here the dividing line

will be drawn. There will be but two

classes. Every character will be fully

developed; and all

will show whether

they have chosen the side of loyalty

or that of rebellion."—"The Desire of

Ages," page 763.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"Steps to Christ," pages 60,61.

God's Way of Dealing With Sin

LESSON 1



❑

Tuesday

March 28

Part 3



"To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be

THE CHURCH saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and

IN ROME the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, I thank my God through Jesus

Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout

the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve

with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceas-

ing I make mention of you always in my prayers; making

request, if by any means now at length I might have a

Rom. 1:7-10 prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you."

--- It is the grace of God that transforms man into the likeness

of his Maker.

"Through the power of Christ men and women have broken

the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The

profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate

pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have become

transformed into the image of God. This change is in itself the

miracle of miracles. A change wrought_by the Word, it is one

of the deepest mysteries

the

—

Word. We ca

—

rmot understand

it; we can only believe, as declared by the Scriptures, it is

Christ in you, the hope of glory.'

"—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 476.

Why did Paul wish to visit Rome? How does he speak

of those to whom he must preach? Rom. 1:11-15.

THINK IT THROUGH

Faith is strengthened when it is shared. There is a law per-

vading God's works by which the giver becomes the receiver.

The seed comes back in the harvest; the ocean receives the

rain that it gives off in evaporation. Nothing is so injurious

as selfishness; nothing is so remunerative as benevolence.

Am I so living that my neighbors will better under-

stand and love God? Am I living up to my privilege to

advance daily in the Christian life?

"In His wisdom the Lord brings those

who are seeking for truth into touch

with fellow beings who know the truth.

It is the plan of Heaven that those who

have received light shall impart it to

those in darkness. Humanity, drawing

its efficiency from the great Source of

wisdom, is made the instrumentality,

the working agency, through which the

gospel exercises its transforming power

on mind and heart."—"The Acts of the

Apostles," page 134.

"God could have reached His object

in saving sinners without our aid; but

in order for us to develop a character

like Christ's, we must share in His

work."—"The Desire of Ages," page

142.

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 359-361; "Gospel Workers,"

pages 265, 266.

God's Way of Dealing With Sin

LESSON 1

Part 4

THEME OF THE

EPISTLE

ROM. 1:16

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Wednesday

March

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it

is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that be-

lieveth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

The gospel is power. This power is manifested when a sinner

abandons his life of sin. Paul himself was a living illustration

of what the power of God can do for a man. The gospel of

Christ succeeds even when imprisonment, stripes, destitution,

and disgrace have been powerless to reform.

"What is the nature of the righteousness that comes

to us through the gospel? Rom. 1:17.

God's way of dealing with sin is the dominant theme of the

whole epistle. Compare Romans 3:21-26, in which God's righ-

teousness is especially revealed in the death of Christ. Compare

Rom. 10:2 ; Phil. 3:9.

"The righteousness of Christ will not cover one cherished

sin. A man may be a lawbreaker in heart; yet if he commits

no outward act of transgression, he may be regarded by the

world as possessing great integrity. But God's law looks into

the secrets of the heart. Every act is judged by the motives

that prompt it. Only that which is in accord with the principles

of God's law will stand in judgment."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 316.

"Nor is it a righteousness that the sinner must work out for

himself through long and weary processes of thought or evolu-

tion or sacrifice and penance and pilgrimage; it comes to the

believer wholly apart from all that human power can do."—

Milton Charles Wilcox,

Studies in Romans,

page 21.

If nature shows God's power in creation, and the Flood

furnishes proof of His destructive power, then the gospel

reveals His power to save. Are you ashamed of the gos-

pel? Are you fearful to make known your identification

with it?

"In

the matchless gift of His Son, God

has encircled the whole world with an

atmosphere of grace as real as the air

which circulates around the globe. All

who choose to breathe this life-giving

atmosphere will live and grow up to

the stature of men and women in

Christ Jesus.

FOR FURTHER

STUDY:

"Testimonies," Vol.

ing," page 147.

"As the flower turns to the sun, that

the bright beams may aid in perfecting

its beauty and symmetry, so should we

turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that

heaven's light may shine upon us, that

our character may be developed into

the likeness of Christ."—"Steps to

Christ," page 68.

3, pp. 333, 377; "The Ministry of Heal-

God's Way of Dealing With Sin

LESSON 1



❑

Thursday

March 30



Part 5



"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against

SINNERS WITHOUT all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold

EXCUSE the truth in unrighteousness."

Rom. 1:18

When men renounce God, they turn to substitutes. In Bible

times they chose to worship the works of God's hands and

objects of their own making, including images of themselves.

Nothing has been too mean, or too obscene, for man to worship.

What reason does Paul give for the wrath of God

against man? Rom. 1:19, 20.

"Not only the things of nature, but the sacrificial service

and the Scriptures themselves—all given to reveal God—were

so perverted that they became the means of concealing Him."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 18.

What is the terrible result of apostasy? Rom. 1:21, 22.

Men stand condemned because their conduct does not mea-

sure up to their knowledge of God. Having this knowledge,

they failed to glorify and worship Him who is disclosed in crea-

tion and in their consciences. A darkened mind leads to futility

and frustrated thinking which always ends in foolishness and

chaos.

"It is a mistake to suppose that idolatry was the gradual

growth of well-disposed but unenlightened human thinking. Its

rise was sudden. It was conceived in intentional rebellion. . . .

It was brought into being to counteract the will and worship

of the true and known God."—Seiss,

Lectures on the Apoca-

lypse, Vol. 3,

p. 119.

"The heathen systems of sacrifice were a perversion of the

system that God had appointed."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 28.



THINK IT THROUGH



Could I fall under condemnation because I am not

learning all I could learn about God and the Scriptures?

"God allows men a period of proba-

tion; but there is a point beyond which

divine patience is exhausted, and the

judgments of God are sure to follow.

The Lord bears long with men, and with

cities, mercifully giving warnings to

save them from divine wrath; but a

time will come when pleadings for

mercy will no longer be heard, and the

rebellious element that continues to re-

ject the light of truth will be blotted

out, in mercy to themselves and to those

who would otherwise be influenced by

their example."—"Prophets and Kings,"

page 276.

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 561, 562, 627-629.

God's Way of Dealing With Sin

LESSON 1



❑

Friday

March 31

Part 6



"And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into

RESULTS OF an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and

APOSTASY four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God

also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of

their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between

themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and

worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator,

Rom. 1:23-25 who is blessed forever. Amen."

A hoist operator in a slope mine needs merely to loose the

connection, and the cars by their own weight rush down the

incline and dash themselves to pieces. A physician has merely

to retire when his orders have been repeatedly disregarded, to

deliver his patient to protracted suffering and possibly to a

premature grave. In like manner, if God delivers men who

reject Him to their lusts, they will sink into the lowest depths

and finally to everlasting destruction.

To what extent did God forsake these wicked men?

Rom. 1:26-28.

How complete was their apostasy? Rom. 1:29-32.

THINK IT THROUGH

"Sin had become a science, and vice was consecrated as a

part of religion. Rebellion had struck its roots deep into the

heart, and the hostility of man was most violent against

heaven."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 37.

What form does apostasy take in modern-day

churches?

"In its human wisdom the world themselves to be wise, they will become

cannot know God. Its wise men gather fools.

an imperfect knowledge of God from



"Those who think they can obtain a

His created works, and then in their knowledge of God aside from His Rep-

foolishness they exalt nature and the resentative whom the Word declares is

laws of nature above nature's God.



'the express image of His person' (Heb.

Those who have not a knowledge of



1:3), will need to become fools in their

God through an acceptance of the own estimation before they can be

revelation He has made of Himself in



wise. It is impossible to gain a perfect

Christ, will obtain only an imperfect knowledge of God from nature alone;

knowledge of Him in nature

;

and this



for nature itself is imperfect. In its im-

knowledge, so far from giving elevated



perfection it cannot represent God, it

conceptions of God, and bringing the cannot reveal the character of God in

whole being into conformity to His will,



its moral perfection."—"Selected Mes-

will make men idolators. Professing



sages," Bk. 1, p. 295.

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "Prophets and Kings, " pages 305, 306.

Answers: (1) False; (2) obedience; (3) impart, spiritual gift, established; (4) True; (5) wrath,

ungodliness, unrighteousness, truth; (6) Sin had become a science, vice a religion.

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LESSON 2

April

2-8

THE JUST JUDGMENT OF GOD

"Many professed Christians are in

a fair way to lose both worlds.

To be half a Christian and half a

worldly man makes you about

one-hundredth part a Christian

and all the rest worldly." Ellen

G. White.

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight:

for by the law is the knowledge of sin." Rom. 3:20.

Impartiality is one of the most important

qualifications of a judge. Without it no

amount of knowledge or ability can inspire

confidence. Yet it is by no means a common

quality. Even the judge who sets out to be

conscientious is often influenced by preju-

dices and by the law itself, which, in some

instances, may favor the rich above the

poor. But God is strictly impartial, and His

law does not favor the rich. He who is righ-

teous Himself could not favor the unrigh-

teous without being implicated in their sin.

But God's impartiality is seen in the fact

that anyone can ask for and receive His

goodness.

"God is too pure to behold iniquity. A

sin is just as grievous in His sight in one

case as in another. No exception will be

made by an impartial

God."—Testimonies,

Vol. 2, p. 447.

LESSON OUTLINE

I. Human Versus Divine Judgment

Rom. 2:1-3

Righteous Judgment of God

Rom. 2:5

According to Man's Deeds

Rom. 2:6-10

The Jewish Moralist

Rom. 2:17-20

Circumcision and the Law

Rom. 2:25-27

How to Be a True Jew

Rom. 2:28, 29

The Just Judgment of God

LESSON 2



❑

Sunday

April 2

Part 1



"Therefore thou art inexcusable, 0 man, whosoever

HUMAN VERSUS thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another,

DIVINE JUDGMENT thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the

same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God

is according to truth against them which commit such

things. And thinkest thou this, 0 man, that judgest them

which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt

Rom. 2:1-3 escape the judgment of God?"

It is easy to discover sin in others, and it is simple to join

in general confessions of sin in which we seem to include our-

selves. But it is hard to acknowledge penitently a specific sin

before God. There is in every man a subtle element of self-

flattery which leads him to deny his own offenses while he is

quick to condemn the sins of his neighbors.

What is the attitude toward God's goodness of the

man who judges another yet practices the same things?

Rom. 2:1-3.

THINK IT THROUGH

"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed

speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in

them to do evil." Eccl. 8:11. It is the goodness of God that

leads Him to bless us; it is His forbearance that holds back

the avenging stroke against sin; it is His long-suffering that

endures much provocation from the sons of men. . . .

"The Pharisees . . . came forth from their religious services,

not humbled with a sense of their own weakness, not grateful

for the great privileges that God had given them. They came

forth filled with spiritual pride. . . .

"The people partook largely of the same spirit, intruding

upon the province of conscience and judging one another in

matters that lay between the soul and God. It was in reference

to this spirit and practice that Jesus said, 'Judge not, that ye

be not judged.'

"—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

pages

123, 124.

In what ways have I learned the magnitude of sin?

How do I look upon degrees of guilt when I am the guilty

one? Am I looking to the imperfect judgment of my

friends rather than to the true estimate of God?

"Do not set yourself up as a stan-

dard. Do not make your opinions, your

views of duty, your interpretations of

Scripture, a criterion for others and in

your heart condemn them if they do not

come up to your ideal. Do not criticize

others, conjecturing as to their motives

and passing judgment upon them."—

"Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,"

page 124.

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "SDA Bible Commentary," on Rom. 2:1-3.



The Just Judgment



of God

LESSON 2



❑

Monday

April 3



Part 2



"But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest

RIGHTEOUS up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and reve-

JUDGMENT OF GOD lotion of the righteous judgment of God."



Rom. 2:5



The person who continues in sin is not only living danger-

ously today, but he is also treasuring up wrath against the day

of wrath. The man who hardens his heart makes the wrath

that will come upon him at last heavier and heavier by adding

new sins day after day.

What is the difference between what is treasured in

Rom. 2:5 and the "treasure" of Matt. 6:20?

"God has given in His Word decisive evidence that He will

punish the transgressors of His law. Those who flatter them-

selves that He is too merciful to execute justice upon the sinner,

have only to look to the cross of Calvary.. . . All this sacrifice

was made that sinners might be redeemed. In no other way

could man be freed from the penalty of sin. And every soul

that refuses to become a partaker of the atonement provided

at such a cost must bear in his own person the guilt and pun-

ishment of transgression."—The

Great Controversy,

pages 539,

540.



THINK IT THROUGH



What treasure am I storing in my heart? Is there any

bad "treasure" that I must clean out in order to make

room for the treasure of His Word?

"Every man's work passes in review

before God and is registered for faith-

fulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite each

name in the books of heaven is entered

with terrible exactness every wrong

word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled

duty, and every secret sin, with every

artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warn-

ings or reproofs neglected, wasted mo-

ments, unimproved opportunities, the

influence exerted for good or for evil,

with its far-reaching results, all are

chronicled by the recording angel.

"The law of God is the standard by

which the characters and the lives of

men will be tested in the judgment....

"Those who in the judgment are

'counted worthy' will have a part •in

the resurrection of the just. . . . The

righteous dead will not be raised until

after the judgment at which they are

accounted worthy of 'the resurrection

of life.' Hence they will not be present

in person at the tribunal when their

records are examined and their cases

decided. Jesus will appear as their ad-

vocate, to plead in their behalf before

God."—"The Great Controversy," page

482.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 4, pp. 384-387.



The Just Judgment



of God

LESSON 2



❑

Tuesday

April 4



Part 3



"Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

ACCORDING to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek

TO MAN'S DEEDS for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: but

unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the

truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that

doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but

glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh

Rom. 2:6-10 good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile."

Deeds are seeds that continue to produce crops through

many generations. The consequences of man's evil deeds may

end only with the world's end. An ungodly example, wicked

instructions, evil institutions, the blasphemous books which

men write, are on this order. For their good deeds, those who

believe in Jesus receive a reward of grace. Matt. 25:34-36; Heb.

6:10. For their evil deeds those who reject the counsel of God

will be cast into outer darkness.

"Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have

known little of theology, but they have cherished His principles.

. . . Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have

heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done

the things that the law required. Their works are evidence that

the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recog-

nized as the children of God."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 638.

How is God's impartiality in judgment described in

Rom. 2:11-13?

How does God deal with those who do not know the

law? Rom. 2:14-16.



THINK IT THROUGH



Do I have a humble and broken heart, subdued by

genuine repentance? Do I appreciate the cost of Calvary?

Am I truly penitent as I come before God?

"Every day we have been associating

with men and women who are judg-

ment bound. Each day may have been

the dividing line to some soul; someone

may have made the decision which

shall determine his future destiny. What

has been our influence over these fel-

low travelers? What efforts have we put

forth to bring them to Christ?

"It is a solemn thing to die, but a

far more solemn thing to live. Every

thought and word and deed of our lives

will meet us again."—"Testimonies,"

Vol. 5, p. 466.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 466; "Christ's Object Lessons,"

pages 310-312.

Part 4

THE JEWISH

MORALIST

Rom. 2:17-20

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Wednesday

April 5

"Behold thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law,

and makest thy boast of God, and knowest His will, and

approvest the things that are more excellent, being in-

structed out of the law; and art confident that thou thy-

self art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are

in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of

babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the

truth in the law."

The Jew boasted of his covenant relation with God. The

Jew expected salvation because he was a Jew. He also rested

on his superior knowledge. Divine things had been especially

revealed to him, and on this premise he expected a special favor

from God. The Jew forgot that superior knowledge often

heightens the guilt of sin and increases the certainty, the neces-

sity, and the severity of punishment.

Although the Jewish moralists were preaching to the

Gentiles, what were they themselves doing? Rom. 2:21-23.

"The apostle showed that religion does not consist in rites

and ceremonies, creeds and theories. If it did, the natural man

could understand it by investigation, as he understands worldly

things. Paul taught that religion is a practical, saving energy, a

principle wholly from God, a personal experience of God's

renewing power upon the soul."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 451.

By their hypocrisy how were the Jews causing the

name of God to be regarded? Rom. 2:24.

Is my life consistent with the things which I say I

believe? Is my standard of conduct only a little above

the world's standards? Or is the distinction decidedly

apparent?

The Just Judgment of God

LESSON 2

"A legal religion can never lead

souls to Christ; for it is a loveless,

Christless religion. Fasting or prayer

that is actuated by a self-justifying

spirit is an abomination in the sight of

God. The solemn assembly for worship,

the round of religious ceremonies, the

external humiliation, the imposing sac-

rifice, proclaim that the doer of these

things regards himself as righteous,

and as entitled to heaven; but it is all

a deception. Our own works can never

purchase salvation."—"The Desire of

Ages," page 280.

FOR

FURTHER STUDY:

"SDA Bible Commentary," on Rom. 2:17-20.

3—AQT2-71

The Just Judgment of God

LESSON 2

❑

Thursday

April 6

"For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law:

but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is

made uncircumcision. . . . And shall not uncircumcision

which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who

by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?"

Abraham received circumcision as a sign or seal that he was

a worshiper of the true God. Unfortunately, many of his de-

scendants had the seal without the corresponding experience of

true worship.

Part 5

CIRCUMCISION

AND THE LAW

Rom. 2:25-27

What further significance had the rite of circumcision?

Gen. 17:9-14; Acts 7:8.

"The Lord appeared unto Abraham, and said unto him, 'I

am the Almighty God. Walk before Me, and be thou perfect,

and I will make a covenant between Me and thee, and will

multiply thee exceedingly.... '

"He then required of Abraham and his seed circumcision,

which was a circle cut in the flesh, as a token that God had

cut them out and separated them from all nations as His pecu-

liar treasure. By this sign they solemnly pledged themselves that

they would not intermarry with other nations; for by so doing

they would lose their reverence for God and His holy law,

and would become like the idolatrous nations around them."

—Spiritual Gifts,

Vol. 3, pp. 296, 297.

What other sign designated the Jews as worshipers

of the true God? Eze. 20:20.

THINK IT THROUGH



In what way ought Christians today to follow the

injunction, "come out from among" the world, "be ye

separate," and "touch not the unclean thing"?

"For nearly forty years the children

of Israel are lost to view in the obscur-

ity of the desert.... During these years

the people were constantly reminded

that they were under the divine rebuke.

In the rebellion at Kadesh they had

rejected God, and God had for the time

rejected them. Since they had proved

unfaithful to His convenant, they were

not to receive the sign of the covenant,

the rite of circumcision. Their desire to

return to the land of slavery had shown

them to be unworthy of freedom, and

the ordinance of the Passover, instituted

to commemorate the deliverance from

bondage, was not to be observed."—

"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 406.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 189-196, 200.

The Just Judgment of God

LESSON 2

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Friday

April 7

"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither

is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he

is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that

of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose

praise is not of men, but of God."

The apostle is proving that both Jews and Gentiles are under

sin. Because the Jew was so blinded, prejudiced, and self-righ-

teous, this was a difficult proposition for him to accept.

What is the meaning of the word Jew? Rom. 2:28, 29.

The

Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary

defines "Jew"

as follows:

"A term occurring first in the time of Jeremiah designating

a citizen or subject of the kingdom of Judah (2 Ki 25:25; Jer

32:12; 34:9; etc.). But the derived Hebrew term

Yehiidith

occurs much earlier, in the days of King Hezekiah, to designate

the Hebrew language (2 Ki 18:26; Is 36:11). Most of the re-

turning exiles belonged to the tribe of Judah, since this restored

community was established by those who had been carried cap-

tive from the kingdom of Judah nearly 70 years before."—

Page 575.

What is true circumcision? Rom. 2:29. Compare Jer.

4:4.

"True circumcision is the worship of Christ in spirit and

truth, not in forms and ceremonies, with hypocritical pretense."

—Fundamentals of Christian Education,

page 399.

What is there in outward rites and practices which,

of itself, can be acceptable to God? Since I have been

baptized with water, have I ever examined myself to

determine if I have been baptized with the Holy Spirit?

Part 6

HOW TO BE

A TRUE JEW

Rom. 2:28, 29

"In the past, Christ had been ap-

proached through forms and cere-

monies, but now He was upon the

earth, calling attention directly to Him-

self, presenting a spiritual priesthood,

and placing the sinful human agent at

the footstool of mercy. . . .

"These lessons Christ gave in His

teaching, showing that the ritual ser-

vice was passing away, and possessed

no virtue. 'The hour cometh,' He said,

'and now is, when the true worshipers

shall worship the Father in spirit and

in truth; for the Father seeketh such to

worship Him. God is a Spirit; and they

that worship Him must worship Him in

spirit and in truth.' "—"Fundamentals of

Christian Education," page 399.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "SDA Bible Commentary," on Rom. 2:28, 29; "The Acts of

the Apostles," page 204; "Fundamentals of Christian Education," page 399.

The Just Judgment of God

LESSON 2



April 8

Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER

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one's own sins

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

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LESSON 3

April 9-15

MADE RIGHT WITH GOD BY FAITH

"Faith is the only condition upon

which justification can be ob-

tained, and faith includes not

only belief but trust." Ellen G.

White.

"Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ

Jesus." Rom. 3:24.

"Since men have nothing by which they

may set themselves right with God, justifi-

cation must come as a free gift. Only when

in all humility a man is prepared to ac-

knowledge that he is destitute of the glory

of God and that he has nothing in himself

that would commend him to God is he

enabled by faith to accept justification as

a free gift. . . .

"The distinctive meaning attached to the

term 'grace' in the NT, and especially in the

writings of Paul, is that of the abundant,

saving love of God toward sinners as re-

vealed in Jesus Christ. . . .

"As in the case of the Israelites in their

deliverance from Egypt, so also now our

participation in the divine plan of redemp-

tion from sin requires the exercise of faith,

a personal acknowledgment and acceptance

of Jesus as our Redeemer, with all that such

a step implies."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Rom. 3:24.

LESSON OUTLINE

Sinners Justified by Faith

Rom. 3:21, 22

Boasting Excluded

Rom. 3:25-30

Faith Establishes the Law

Rom. 3:31

How God Justifies the Ungodly

Rom. 4:4-8

Not Through Law, but Through

Faith

Rom. 4:13

Imputed Righteousness

Rom. 4:20-22

Made Right With God by Faith

LESSON 3



❑

Sunday

April



Part 1



"But now the righteousness of God without the law is

SINNERS JUSTIFIED manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

BY FAITH even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus

Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there

Rom. 3:21, 22 is no difference."

"When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he

deserves, and treats him as though he had not sinned, He

receives him into divine favor, and justifies him through the

merits of Christ's righteousness. The sinner can be justified only

through faith in the atonement made through God's dear Son,

who became a sacrifice for the sins of the guilty world. No one

can be justified by any works of his own. He can be delivered

from the guilt of sin, from the condemnation of the law, from

the penalty of transgression, only by virtue of the suffering,

death, and resurrection of Christ. Faith is the only condition

upon which justification can be obtained, and faith includes

not only belief but

trust."

—

Selected Messages,

Bk. 1, p. 389.

Why is God's means of righteousness needed? Rom.

3:22, 23.

By what means is justification freely supplied? Rom.

3:24.

"What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in

laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that

which is not in his power to do for himself. When men see

their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with

the righteousness of Christ."—Ellen G. White,

The Faith I

Live By,

page 111.



THINK IT THROUGH



What is there in Israel's experience of putting blood

on the lintels and doorposts that suggests how I might

accept the righteousness of Christ? Is this experience of

accepting the righteousness of Christ one that I can say

is truly my own?

"We have no righteousness of our

own with which to meet the claims of

the law of God. But Christ has made a

way of escape for us. He lived on earth

amid trials and temptations such as we

have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He

died for us, and now He offers to take

our sins and give us His righteousness.

If you give yourself to Him, and accept

Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as

your life may have been, for His sake

you are accounted righteous. Christ's

character stands in place of your Char-

aCteriand'you

are

accepte

d'before God

just as if you had not sinned."—"Steps

tc Christ," page 62.

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1109; "Selected Mes-

sages," Bk. 1, pp. 359-361.

Made Right With God by Faith

LESSON 3



Monday

April 10

Part 2



"Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through

BOASTING faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the

EXCLUDED remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance

of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness:

that He might be just, and the justifier of him which be-

lieveth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded.

By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith

without the deeds of the law. Is He the God of the Jews

only? is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles

also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circum-

Rom. 3:25-30 cision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith."

When we speak of Christ as being a propitiation for sin, we

imply that He was appointed by God the Father to make an

atonement for mankind. We indicate also that He took upon

Himself the guilt of His people and that He suffered the punish-

ment which they deserved.

"Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated

as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He

had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness,

in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was

ours, that we might receive the life which was His. 'With His

stripes we are healed.'

"—The Desire of Ages,

page 25.

THINK IT THROUGH

Of what specific boasting does Paul say the Jews were

guilty? Rom. 2:17, 23.

Are there places for good works in the life of a Chris-

tian? 1 Tim. 5:9, 10; 6:18; 2 Tim. 3:17.

Righteousness is a condition of character rather than

conduct. Am I struggling to make an impression upon my

fellow believers, or am I asking the Lord to help me to

be right with Him?

"We do not earn salvation by our

obedience; for salvation is the free gift

of God to be received by faith. But

obedience is the fruit of faith.... If we

abide in Christ, if the love of God

dwells in us, our feelings, our thoughts,

our actions, will be in harmony with the

will of God as expressed in the precepts

of His holy law. . . . Righteousness is

defined by the standard of God's holy

law, as expressed in the ten precepts

given on Sinai."—"Steps to Christ,"

page 61.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 467, 468; "SDA Bible Com-

mentary," on Rom. 3:25-30.

Made Right With God by Faith

LESSON 3

Part 3

FAITH ESTABLISHES

THE LAW

Rom. 3:31

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Tuesday

April 11

"Do we then make void the law through faith? God

forbid: yea, we establish the law."

"God does not use His great and precious grace to make of

none effect His law, but to establish His law. What is the

decision of Paul? He says: 'What shall we say then? Is the law

sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the

law. . . . For I was alive without the law once: but when the

commandment came, sin revived, and [the commandment then

ended?—No.] I [Paul] died. . . . Wherefore the law is [stand-

ing directly in the way of my having liberty and peace ?—No.]

holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good' (Rom.

7:7-12)."—Selected Messages,

Bk. 1, p. 347.

What besides faith operates in justification? James

2:20-24.

"That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men

from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but pre-

sumption. 'By grace are ye saved through faith.' But 'faith, if

it bath not works, is dead.' . . . Jesus said of Himself before

He came to earth, `I delight to do Thy will, 0 My God: yea,

Thy law is within My heart.' . . . And just before He ascended

again to heaven He declared, `I have kept My Father's com-

mandments, and abide in His love.'

"—Steps to Christ,

page 61.

Are the statements in the book of James contrary to

those in Romans?

At first they may seem to be in contradiction, but actually

the teaching of James complements the teaching of Paul. To

establish the connection between faith and works is one of

the purposes of the epistle of James.

Those who have accepted the gospel as a revelation

of the righteousness of Christ and have known its power

in the life will never be ashamed of it. Have I accepted

His righteousness?

"It was to atone for man's transgres-

sion of the law that Christ laid down

His life. Could the law have been

changed or set aside, then Christ need

not have died. By His life on earth He

honored the law of God. By His death

He established it. He gave His life as a

sacrifice, not to destroy God's law, not

to create a lower standard, but that

justice might be maintained, that the

law might be shown to be immutable,

that it might stand fast forever."—

"Christ's Object Lessons," page 314.

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "Christ's Object Lessons," page 128; "The Great Contro-

versy," pages 468, 584.

Made Right With God by Faith

LESSON 3

Part 4

HOW GOD

JUSTIFIES

THE UNGODLY

Rom. 4:4-8

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Wednesday

April 12

"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned

of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but

believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is

counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth

the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth

righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they

whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are cov-

ered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute

sin."

When Jesus confers sight upon a blind man, the man ceases

to be in darkness; and when a rich man confers wealth upon

a poor man, the poor man ceases to be in poverty. Just so

surely, when justification is conferred upon the ungodly, his

ungodliness is done away. His godliness is not the ground upon

which the gift was awarded. But just as sight and riches come

from outside, so a life of godliness comes out of the gift of

justification.

"We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet

the claims of the law of God. But Christ has made a way of

escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations

such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for

us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us His righ-

teousness. If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your

Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake

you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place

of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if

you had not sinned."—Steps

to Christ,

page 62.

What Old Testament example does Paul use to prove

that justification by faith is imbedded in the Scriptures

of the old covenant? Rom. 4:1-3.

If you were walking in a dark place, not knowing

the road, and someone offered you a light, would you

refuse to accept it? But have you fully accepted the provi-

sion of the light of the gospel? Have you accepted the

pardon which Jesus offers for all your sins?

"Having made us righteous through

the imputed righteousness of Christ,

God pronounces us just, and treats us

as just. He looks upon us as His dear

children. Christ works against the

power of sin, and where sin abounded,

grace much more abounds. 'Therefore

being justified by faith, we have peace

with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

by whom also we have access by faith

into this grace wherein we stand, and

rejoice in hope of the glory of God.'"

—"Selected Messages," Bk. 1, p. 394.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Selected Messages,' ' Bk. 1, pp. 330, 367, 377, 389, 391.

4—AQT2-71

Part 5

NOT THROUGH LAW

BUT THROUGH FAITH

Rom. 4:13

❑

Thursday

April 13

"For the promise, that he should be the heir of the

world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the

law, but through the righteousness of faith."

"The Bible plainly teaches that the promises made to Abra-

ham are to be fulfilled through Christ. All that are Christ's are

`Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise'—heirs to

`an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth

not away'—the earth freed from the curse of

sin."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 170.

Made Right With God by Faith

LESSON 3

What argument does Paul make to point out the con-

nection between law and promise? Rom. 4:13-15.

"The fulfillment of God's promise may seem to be long de-

layed—for 'one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and

a thousand years as one day' . . . ; it may appear to tarry; but

at the appointed time 'it will surely come, it will not tarry.'

. . . The gift to Abraham and his seed included not merely the

land of Canaan, but the whole earth. So says the apostle, `The

promise, that he should be the

heir of the world,

was not to

Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the

righteousness of faith.' . . . And the Bible plainly teaches that

the promises made to Abraham are to be fulfilled through

Christ."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 170.

To how many is the promise made sure through faith?

Rom. 4:16, 17.

The expression, "a father of many nations," is taken from

Gen. 17:5. God gave him that name because He foresaw the

multitudes from among all peoples who would exercise the

same faith that Abraham manifested.

THINK IT THROUGH



If a man is truly free only in proportion as he lives

within God's law, then how free am I?

"The Saviour longs to manifest His

grace and stamp His character on the

whole world. It is His purchased posses-

sion, and He desires to make men free,

and pure, and holy. Though Satan

works to hinder this purpose, yet

through the blood shed for the world

there are triumphs to be achieved that

will bring glory to God and the Lamb.

Christ will not be satisfied till the vic-

tory is complete, and 'He shall see of

the travail of His soul, and shall be

satisfied.' Isa. 53:11."—"The Desire of

Ages," pages 827, 828.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 170; "Gospel Workers,"

pages 161, 162, 301.

Made Right With God by Faith

LESSON 3

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Friday

April 14

"He [Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God

through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to

God; and being fully persuaded that, what He had prom-

ised, He was able also to perform. And therefore it was

imputed to him for righteousness."

It was God's purpose that Abraham should be an outstand-

ing example of the power of faith. It was therefore necessary

that his faith should be tested in a special way. To this end

God gave him a promise that in his seed should all the nations

of the earth be blessed, and yet for many years he remained

without an heir. His faith triumphed through it all, and he

believed the promises of God. By such unquestioning faith and

confidence Abraham brought glory to God. The more difficult

the fulfillment of the promise, the more wonderful was Abra-

ham's faith.

Why was Abraham's faith imputed to him for righ-

teousness? Rom. 4:18-21.

"Faith that enables us to receive God's gifts is itself a gift,

of which some measure is imparted to every human being. It

grows as exercised in appropriating the Word of God. In order

to strengthen faith, we must often bring it in contact with the

Word."—Education,

pages 253, 254.

To whom else shall faith be imputed for righteousness?

Rom. 4:24, 25.

Being justified, or accounted righteous, I have a title

to heaven. Am I growing as I should through sanctifica-

tion? Do I love God and His Word better as the days go

by?

Part 6

IMPUTED

RIGHTEOUSNESS

Rom. 4:20-22

"When we submit ourselves to Christ,

the heart is united with His heart, the

will is merged in His will, the mind be-

comes one with His mind, the thoughts

are brought into captivity to Him; we

live His life. This is what it means to

be clothed with the garment of His

righteousness. Then as the Lord looks

upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf gar-

ment, not the nakedness and deformity

of sin, but His own robe of righteous-

ness, which is perfect obedience to the

law of Jehovah....

"Righteousness is rightdoing, and it

is by their deeds that all will be judged.

Our characters are revealed by what

we do. The works show whether the

faith is genuine."—"Christ's Object Les-

sons," page 312.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 215, 236-241, 317, 363,

392.

Made Right With God by Faith

LESSON 3



April 15

Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS

TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER

1. How many ways are listed by which man may obtain righteousness?

Complete: "It is one



, which shall justify the circumcision by



, and



through faith."

True or False: God uses grace to make His law of none effect

Complete: "Abraham



, and it was



unto him

for

True or False: The Bible teaches that the promises made to Abraham are

fulfilled through Christ.



What does imputed righteousness do for the person who accepts it?

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LESSON 4

April I6-22

JUSTIFICATION VERSUS CONDEMNATION

"One step off a precipice consti-

tutes the fall that kills. Negatives

are like that. Christ, on the other

hand, had to finish His work in

order to attain its goal and result.

Positives are like that." R. C. H.

Lenski.

"God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8.

Many passages of Scripture show that

God alone justifies. See Micah 6:7; Ps.

49:7; Isa. 45:21, 22.

"Paul has plainly shown that all men,

Jews and Gentiles alike, are sinners under

condemnation and in need of righteousness.

He has proved that this need of righteous-

ness cannot be met legalistically by works of

obedience (ch. 3:20). But as revealed in the

good news of the gospel, God has done

everything necessary to supply man's need.

God offers to everyone, as a free gift of His

grace, complete pardon and reconciliation

through faith in Jesus Christ, who has lived,

died, and risen again for the redemption

and restoration of fallen man. Having thus

established the doctrine of righteousness by

faith as the only way in which Jews and

Gentiles together may, like Abraham, ob-

tain justification, Paul now proceeds to ex-

plain some of the benefits that come to

those who have shared in this saving ex-

perience."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

Rom. 5:1.

LESSON OUTLINE

Peace Through Christ

Rom. 5:1, 2

Christ Died for the Ungodly

Rom. 5:5-8

Saved From Wrath and

Reconciled

Rom. 5:9, 10

Relationship Between Sin and

Law

Rom. 5:12, 13

From Condemnation to

Justification

Rom. 5:18, 19

Death and Resurrection

Rom. 6:1-4

Part 1

PEACE THROUGH

CHRIST

Rom. 5:1, 2

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Sunday

April 16

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace

with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we

have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

A man who owes a debt can be justified only when that debt

is paid, either by him or by someone who pays it on his

behalf. Similarly, a man defiled in sin can be justified. The only

way by which God can count a sinner righteous is through

justification. Faith unites a man with Christ and enables him

to appropriate the Saviour's righteousness.

"Christ is 'the Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6), and it is His

mission to restore to earth and heaven the peace that sin has

broken. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Romans 5:1. Whoever con-

sents to renounce sin and open his heart to the love of Christ,

becomes a partaker of this heavenly

peace."—Thoughts From

the Mount of Blessing,

page 27.

In what other experience should the Christian rejoice?

Rom. 5:3.

What blessing in addition to peace does the believer

receive through Christ? Rom. 5:3, 4.

Having spoken of rejoicing in God, Paul now declares that

the Christian should rejoice in tribulations also. Not, that is, in

the sense of enjoying them while he endures them (for the

children of God suffer when they experience pain, depression,

et cetera), but in the knowledge that trials develop endurance,

provide experience, and inspire hope.

The word translated "patience" includes the qualities of

endurance and constancy. Certainly God is seeking not.only one

who will merely endure suffering, but one who will speak up

when his godly witness is needed.

The English word "tribulation" comes from the Old Latin

word

tribulum,

a threshing instrument used to pound out the

grain.

Jesus never spoke of the cross as His, but always as

ours. What important lesson does this have for me?

Justification Versus Condemnation

LESSON 4

"Whoever consents to renounce sin

and open his heart to the love of Christ,

becomes a partaker of this heavenly

peace. There is no other ground of

peace than this. The grace of Christ,

received into the heart, subdues en-

mity; it allays strife and fills the soul

with love. He who is at peace with

God and his fellowmen cannot be made

miserable. Envy will not be in his heart;

evil surmisings will find no room there;

hatred cannot exist."—Ellen G. White,

"In Heavenly Places," page 35.



Justification Versus



Condemnation

LESSON 4



❑

Monday

April 17



Part 2



"Hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God

CHRIST DIED is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is

FOR THE UNGODLY given unto us. For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for

a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a

good man some would even dare to die. But God corn-

mendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet



Rom. 5:5-8



sinners, Christ died for us."

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every pur-

pose under the heaven," wrote Solomon (Eccl. 3:1) ; thus there

was an appropriate time for the manifestation of God in the

flesh. When the world was weary of waiting, like a sufferer

worn out with a long sickness, in "due" time, the Saviour came.

Christ was a friend to us in our time of urgent need. We

were in sin. We did not deserve the great sacrifice He came to

make on our behalf. Our utter unworthiness is the measure of

His infinite, condescending love. From a human standpoint,

He had every reason to abandon us to our fate; but He did

not, and therein lies the supreme vindication of the divine char-

acter and government.

What basis did Paul have for being so certain that

"hope maketh not ashamed"? Ps. 22:5.

In what way is the "due time" of Christ's first coming

elsewhere referred to in Scripture? Gal. 4:4; Mark 1:15.



THINK IT THROUGH



God commended, not His wisdom, power, holiness, or

wealth, toward us, but His love. While we were at the

worst, He did the best for us. What are we doing for Him?

"Think of how much it cost Christ to

leave the heavenly courts, and take His

position at the head of humanity. Why

did He do this? Because He was the

only one who could redeem the fallen

race. There was not a human being in

the world who was without sin. The Son

of God stepped down from His heav-

enly throne, laid off His royal robe and

kingly crown, and clothed His divinity

with humanity. He came to die for us,

to lie in the tomb as human beings

must, and to be raised for our justifica-

tion. He came to become acquainted

with all the temptations wherewith man

is beset. He rose from the grave and

proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of

Joseph, 'I am the resurrection, and the

life.' One equal with God passed

through death in our behalf."—Ellen G.

White, "In Heavenly Places," page 13.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," pages 369, 370; "Testimonies," Vol.

6, pages 479-482.

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Tuesday

April 18

"Much more then, being now justified by His blood,

we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when

we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the

death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall

be saved by His life."

The death of Christ was substitutionary. We might compare

it to the death of a mother bird hovering over her young in

order to protect them, and giving her own life that they might

live. Christ is our protection against the fiery darts of tempta-

tion the evil one hurls at us, and our shield against the sting

of eternal death that would otherwise be the inevitable result

of sin. He overcame sin and its penalty, death, in order that we

might overcome.

What is reconciliation? 2 Cor. 5:18-20.

What does reconciliation bring to the sinner? Rom.

5:11.

The believer is fully reconciled to the Father. There is now

no gulf of separation, for the justified one has benefited by

Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Reconciliation begins with a con-

viction of sin and is followed by repentance, remission of sin,

partaking of the divine nature, and adoption into the family

of God.

"Christ's sacrifice in behalf of man was full and complete.

The condition of the atonement had been fulfilled. The work

for which He had come to this world had been accomplished."

—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 29.

Have I with the eye of faith beheld Jesus uplifted on

the cross for my redemption? Is He real to me? Do I

know with what infinite patience and love His face is

turned toward me, seeking to win me from death to life?

Part 3

SAVED FROM WRATH

AND RECONCILED

Rom. 5:9, 10

Justification Versus Condemnation

LESSON 4

"Reconciliation means that every bar-

rier between the soul and God is re-

moved, and that the sinner realizes

what the pardoning love of God means.

By reason of the sacrifice made by

Christ for fallen men, God can justly

pardon the transgressor who accepts

the merits of Christ. Christ was the

channel through which the mercy, love,

and righteousness might flow from the

heart of God to the heart of the sinner."

—"Selected Messages," Bk. 1, p. 396.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"Testimonies," Vol. 9, pp. 191-193; "Selected Messages,"

Bk. 1, pp. 326-330.

Part 4

RELATIONSHIP

BETWEEN

SIN AND LAW

Rom. 5:12, 13

❑

Wednesday

April 19

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world,

and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for

that all have sinned: (for until the law sin was in the

world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law)."

Sin entered the world as a wolf into a fold, as a plague into

a house, as an enemy to destroy, as a thief to rob, as a poison

to contaminate. Furthermore, it was "by one man" that "sin

entered into the world." Sin is "the transgression of the law,"

and the "one man" by whom it entered into the world was

Adam. Satan, filled with malignant hatred against God, became

the tempter. Our first parents yielded, thus changing the course

of nature and bringing about consequences which will be felt

till the end of time.

Justification Versus Condemnation

LESSON 4

What is the difference between Adam's sin and the

sins of his descendants? Rom. 5:14.

"Adam could not transmit to his posterity that which he

did not possess; and there could have been no hope for the

fallen race had not God, by the sacrifice of His Son, brought

immortality within their reach. While 'death passed upon all

men, for that all have sinned,' Christ 'bath brought life and

immortality to light through the gospel.'

"—The Great Con-

troversy,

page 533.

What is the relationship between Adam's sin and the

law?

THINK IT THROUGH



Do I take sin seriously? Do I appreciate the intense

suffering of Jesus on my behalf?

"With what intense interest the whole

universe watched the conflict that was

to decide the position of Adam and Eve.

How attentively the angels listened to

the words of Satan, the originator of

sin, as he . . . sought to make of none

effect the law of God through his de-

ceptive reasoning! How anxiously they

waited to see if the holy pair would be

deluded by the tempter, and yield to

his arts! They asked therbselves, Will

the holy pair transfer their faith and

love from the Father and Son to Satan?

Will they accept his falsehoods as

truth?

"Adam and Eve persuaded them-

selves that in so small a matter as eat-

ing of the forbidden fruit, there could

not result such terrible consequences as

God had declared. But this small matter

was sin, the transgression of God's im-

mutable and holy law, and it opened

the floodgates of death and untold woe

upon our world. . . . Let us not esteem

sin as a trivial thing."—Ellen G. White,

"That I May Know Him," page 14.

FOR

FURTHER STUDY:

"Early Writings," page 149.

5— AQT2-7 1

THINK IT THROUGH

El Thursday

April

"Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came

upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteous-

ness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justifica-

tion of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were

made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many

be made righteous."

Both sin and death entered the world by the first man,

Adam. The origin of evil is a deep mystery, but its introduc-

tion to our world is a historical fact clearly stated in the Bible.

God made Adam the father of all living, and gave him dominion

over all creation. But Adam failed. He was this world's original

sinner, and his descendants today continue to sin and die. Only

the grace of God can keep them from becoming victims of their

own transgression.

What result came from Adam's disobedience? Rom.

5:18-20.

"Man has fallen; and it will be the work of a lifetime, be

it longer or shorter, to recover from that fall, and regain,

through Christ, the image of the divine, which he lost by sin

and continued transgression. God requires a thorough transfor-

mation of soul, body, and spirit in order to regain the estate

lost through

Adam."—Testimonies,

Vol. 2, p. 448.

"To learn of Christ means to receive His grace, which is His

character. But those who do not appreciate and utilize the

precious opportunities and sacred influences granted them on

earth, are not fitted to take part in the pure devotion of heaven.

Their characters are not molded according to the divine simili-

tude. By their own neglect they have formed a chasm which

nothing can

bridge."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page 271.

Do we appreciate the great honor God has bestowed

upon us, of making us His sons and daughters, heirs of

His kingdom?

Part 5

FROM

CONDEMNATION

TO JUSTIFICATION

Rom. 5:18, 19

Justification Versus Condemnation

LESSON 4

"Christ was tempted by Satan in a lived the law of God, and honored it

hundredfold severer manner than was in a world of transgression, revealing

Adam, and under circumstances in ev-

to the heavenly universe, to Satan, and

ery way more trying. The deceiver to all the fallen sons and daughters of

presented himself as an angel of light, Adam that through His grace humanity

but Christ withstood his temptations. can keep the law of God. He came to

He redeemed Adam's disgraceful fall, impart His own divine nature, His own

and saved the world. . . .



jci.e, to the repentant, believing

"In His human nature He maintained

sOur"—Ellen G. White, "My Life Today,"

the purity of His divine character. He



page 323.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 384.

Justification Versus Condemnation

LESSON 4



❑

Friday

April 21



Part 6



"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin,

DEATH AND that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that

RESURRECTION are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not,

that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ

were bapized into His death? Therefore we are buried

with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was

raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even

Rom. 6:1-4 so we also should walk in newness of life."

Abounding sin required abounding grace. Those who accept

the provisions of the gospel renounce sin and are "dead" to it.

"Those who have put on Christ by baptism, by this act

showing their separation from the world, and that they have

covenanted to walk in newness of life, should not set up idols

in their hearts. Those who have once rejoiced in the evidence

of sins forgiven, who have tasted the Saviour's love and who

then persist in uniting with the foes of Christ, rejecting the

perfect righteousness that Jesus offers them and choosing the

ways that He has condemned, will be more severely judged

than the heathen who have never had the light and have never

known God or His law."—T

estimonies,

Vol. 3, pp. 365, 366.

What is the underlying purpose of baptism? Rom.

6:5-1 1.

Baptism is, first, a figure of the death of the believer to sin.

Then, having been buried with Christ, we rise with Him in

newness of life. Christ was raised by "the glory of the Father"

so that we might begin a new kind of life.

What three great gospel facts does baptism represent?

1 Cor. 15:3,4.



THINK IT THROUGH



Am I as diligent in living by my baptismal vows as

when I first accepted Christ?

"Christ made baptism the entrance their new relations. Publicly they have



to His spiritual kingdom. . . . Those



declared that they will no longer live



who receive the ordinance of baptism



in pride and self-indulgence. . . . They

thereby make a public declaration that are bound by a solemn covenant to live

they have renounced the world, and to the Lord. They are to use for Him all

have become members of the royal their entrusted capabilities."—Ellen G.

family. . . .



White Comments, "SDA Bible Commen-



"Those who do this are to make all



tary," Vol. 6, p. 1075.

worldly considerations secondary to

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Child Guidance," page 499.

Justification Versus Condemnation

LESSON 4



April 22

Part 7 '

' SUMMARY QUESTIONS G

TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER

True or False: Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to

Jesus becomes a partaker of His heavenly peace.



At what time in our experience did God commend His love toward us?

Complete: "Much more then, being now

by His



, we

shall be

from



through



Multiple choice: Adam violated a command of God that was

(a)

not un-



derstood

(b)

specific and plain (e) only comprehended afterward.



Complete: "But where



abounded,



did much more



Of what is baptism a symbol>



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LESSON 5

April 23-29

CHRIST, THE DELIVERER FROM SIN

"If a judge pardons and releases

a thief who has deserved the

gallows, this is abrogating the

law through grace. If, now, the

thief were rashly to conclude and

boast: I am now under grace and

may do as I please, for now there

is no law of which I need be

afraid—who would put up with

such a fellow?" Martin Luther.

"Now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your

fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." Rom. 6:22.

"The Christian does not look for salva-

tion legalistically, as if he could be saved

by his own works of obedience. . . He

acknowledges that he is a transgressor of

the divine law, that in his own strength he

is wholly incapable of fulfilling its require-

ments, that he justly deserves to be under

its condemnation, and surrenders himself

through faith in Christ to the grace and

mercy of God. Then, by the grace of God

. . . his sinful past is forgiven and he re-

ceives divine power to walk in newness of

life. When a man is 'under law,' despite his

best efforts sin continues to have dominion

over him, because the law cannot set him

free from the power of sin. Under grace,

however, the struggle against sin is no

longer a forlorn hope, but a certain tri-

umph."—SDA

Bible Contmentary,

on Rom.

6 : 14.

LESSON OUTLINE

Sin Not to Reign

Rom. 6:12, 13

A Wonderful Promise

Rom. 6:14, 15

From Servants of Sin

to Servants of God

Rom. 6:19-22

Marriage Law Binding for Life

Rom. 7: 1 -3

Carnal Nature and the Law

Rom. 7:13-16

A Clash of Laws

Rom. 7:17-20

Christ, The Deliverer From Sin

LESSON 5



❑

Sunday

April 23



Part 1



"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that

SIN NOT TO REIGN ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye

your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto

sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive

from the dead, and your members as instruments of



Rom. 6:12, 13



righteousness unto God."

Peace, moral beauty, and strength are destroyed wherever

sin has the ruling power. It is a cancer that eats its way grad-

ually, yet effectually, to the very roots of our being. We are

all subject to some authority; it is for us to decide whose

government it will be. We cannot govern ourselves; we must

serve either righteousness or sin. How thankful we ought to be

that there is a higher, stronger, purer power ready to enter the

heart and rule there. We are under no obligation to let sin

have the throne. The Holy Spirit is willing to govern if man

will open his heart and let Him have His way.

"I was referred to this scripture: [Rom. 6:12, 13, quoted].

. . . Professed Christians, if no further light is given you than

that contained in this text, you will be without excuse if you

suffer yourselves to be controlled by base passions."—Counsels

on Health,

page 569.

THINK IT THROUGH

How does Paul emphasize the relationship of the

physical body to the Christian's experience? Rom. 6:12,

13.

In what graphic words does Paul describe his own

fight against the lusts of the flesh? 1 Cor. 9:27.

Do I keep constant guard against the entrance of sin

to which I know I am prone? If I do not, and sin has my

consent, it is said to reign over me.

"In this conflict of righteousness

against unrighteousness we can be suc-

cessful only by divine aid. Our finite

will must be brought into submission

to the will of the Infinite; the human

will must be blended with the divine.

This will bring the Holy Spirit to our

aid; and every conquest will tend to the

recovery of God's purchased possession,

to the restoration of His image in the

soul."—"Messages to Young People,"

page 55.

"When you suffer the fires of unhal-

lowed passion to light up the eye, when

you speak words that drive the holy

angels from you, when you think evil

of your brethren, when you profane

your hands with the gains of ungodli-

ness, you are yielding your members

as instruments of unrighteousness."—

"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 116.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 117-121.

Part 2

A WONDERFUL

PROMISE

Rom. 6:14, 15

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Monday

April 24

"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are

not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall

we sin, because we are not under the law, but under

grace? God forbid."

We must never forget that it is the nature of sin to grow.

Weeds generally grow faster than flowers. First, there is an

empty space, a life unfenced, no sense of danger. Sin enters

unobserved and grows stronger and stronger until it over-

shadows the whole moral being.

What promise is given those who yield themselves to

God? Rom. 6:14, 15.

Sin shall not be allowed to rule over us because of our faith

in Christ's atoning death on the cross and our death to sin. The

penalty demanded by the law has been paid; therefore be-

lievers are not subject to the law's claims. In contrast, the

believer is now under grace; that is, he is the subject of God's

gracious kindness, and God imparts the grace that enables His

children to conquer sin.

we are not under sin's dominion, can we still be

slaves? Rom. 6:16.

"From the slavery of sin it is possible to pass into the service

and slavery of God. We may get free from sin, and then shall

we be at liberty to serve God and be His slaves. . . . The

slavery . . . is a yielding of ourselves. In both slaveries we must

remember that the will is not forced, but free. . . . No one

forces our hand."—The

Pulpit Commentary,

on Rom. 6:12-23,

page 180.

Am I content to be a servant of Satan, or am I earnestly

striving to serve the Lord? Has sin warped my judgment

and dimmed my eyes to what I ought to do to bring my

life into harmony with Heaven?

Christ, The Deliverer From Sin

LESSON 5

ing up a constant warfare. Here is

where Christ's help is needed. Human

weakness becomes united to divine

strength, and faith exclaims, 'Thanks

be to God, which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ!'"—"Mes-

sages to Young People," page 114.

"If we indulge anger, lust, covetous-

ness, hatred, selfishness, or any other

sin, we become servants of sin. 'No man

can serve two masters.' If we serve sin,

we cannot serve Christ. The Christian

will feel the promptings of sin, for the

flesh lusteth against the Spirit; but the

Spirit striveth against the flesh, keep-

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 130-132.

Christ, The Deliverer From Sin

LESSON 5



❑

Tuesday

April 25



Part 3



"I speak after the manner of men because of the

FROM SERVANTS infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your mem-

OF SIN TO bers servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniq-

SERVANTS OF GOD uity; even so now yield your members servants to righ-

teousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants

of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had

ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed?

for the end of those things is death. But now being made

free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have



Rom. 6:19-22



your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."

There is no condition so sad as that of a slave, and no slavery

so hard as that of sin. There was once a tyrant who ordered

one of his subjects to make an iron chain of a certain length.

The man completed the task, and the tyrant bade him make

it longer still. He continued to add link to link, and at length

the cruel taskmaster ordered his servants to bind the worker

with his own chain and cast him into the fire. That hardest of

tyrants, the devil, treats his slaves in like manner.

How does Paul describe the deliverance wrought in the

life of the believer? Rom. 6:19-22.

What is the reward for serving the master of sin?

Rom. 6:23, first part.

What is the reward for serving the Master of righ-

teousness? Rom. 6:23, last part.



THINK IT THROUGH



What fruit in my life indicates that it is freed from

sin? What does the future hold in store for me if I con-

tinue on my present course?

"By pouring the whole treasury of

heaven into this world, by giving us in

Christ all heaven, God has purchased

the will, the affections, the mind, the

soul, of every human being. When man

places himself under the control of

God, the will becomes firm and strong

to do right, the heart is cleansed from

selfishness, and filled with Christlike

love. The mind yields to the authority

of the law of love, and every thought

is brought into captivity to the obedi-

ence of Christ."—Ellen G. White, "Our

High Calling," page 104.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 2, pp. 346-352.

Christ, The Deliverer From Sin

LESSON 5



❑

Wednesday

April 26

Part 4



"Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that

MARRIAGE LAW know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a

BINDING FOR LIFE man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an

husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as

he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from

the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband

liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called

an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free

from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she

Rom. 7:1-3 be married to another man."

The death of either partner dissolves a marriage. The law

has no more power over a dead subject than a husband has

over his dead wife. The believer, released from the condemna-

tion of the law by dying in fellowship with Christ, is one with

his risen Master anrfnciFt

—

Feir-The fruits of holiness to His

glory.

What conclusion does Paul draw from his illustration

of the marriage law? Rom. 7:4, 5.

The law does not die; it condemns the sinner, and the sinner

is counted dead. Faith in Christ's death is taken by the sinner

for his death; with Christ he dies to sin, and the law no longer

condemns him. With Christ he rises by faith to a new life,

married to Him who rose from the dead, that he may bring

forth fruit unto God.

What is the apostle's conclusion with respect to the

law? Rom. 7:6-8. Of what law is Paul speaking? Verse 7.

THINK IT THROUGH



How would I answer one who claimed to be under

grace but not under law?

"The law of God, spoken in awful

grandeur from Sinai, is the utterance

of condemnation to the sinner. It is the

province of the law to condemn, but

there is in it no power to pardon or to

redeem. It is ordained to life; those who

walk in harmony with its precepts will

receive the reward of obedience. But it

brings bondage and death to those who

remain under its condemnation."—"Se-

"The law and the gospel are in

perfect harmony. Each upholds the

other. In all its majesty the law con-

fronts the conscience, causing the sinner

to feel his need for Christ as the propi-

tiation for sin. The gospel recognizes the

power and immutability of the law.

... The sense of sin, urged home by the

law, drives the sinner to the Saviour."—

"Ibid.," pp. 240, 241.

lected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 236, 237.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Adventist Home," page 85.

6— AQT2-7 1

Christ, The Deliverer From Sin

LESSON 5



❑

Thursday

April 27



Part 5



"Was then that which is good made death unto me?

CARNAL NATURE God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working

AND THE LAW 'death in' me by that which is good; that sin by the com-

mandment might become exceedingly sinful. For we

know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under

sin.' For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that

do 1 not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that

Rom. 7:13-16 which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good."

Paul here explains two statements that appear to be con-

tradictory—the law is holy, but it works death. Foreseeing that

some would have difficulty regarding this, Paul assumes the

position of an objector: "Was then that which is good made

death unto me?"

What is the sinner's condition without the law? Rom.

7:9.

. "He is speaking of the unperturbed, self-complacent, self-

righteous life which he once lived before the turbulent motions

and convictions of sin, described in the two preceding verses,

overtook him. We are not able to determine the time in the

apostle's career when the commandment began to arouse the

sinful passions."—The

New International Commentary on the

New Testament, The Epistle to the Romans,

Vol. 1, p. 251.

How doe's Paul evaluate the law? Rom. 7:12.



THINK IT THROUGH



Has my knowledge of God's law tended to make me

a better Christian? Am I living up to what I know to be

the truth for this time?

"There is little enmity against Satan

and his works, because there is so great

ignorance concerning his power and

malice, and the vast extent of his war-

fare against Christ and His church. Mul-

titudes are deluded here. They do not

know that their enemy is a mighty gen-

eral who controls the minds of evil

angels, and that with well-matured

plans and skillful movements he is war-

ring against Christ to prevent the sal-

vation of souls."—"The Great Contro-

versy," pages 507, 508.

"God's ministers must come into close

companionship with Christ, and follow

His example in all things—in purity of

life, in self-denial, in benevolence, in

diligence; in perseverance. To win souls

to the kingdom of God must be their

first consideration. With sorrow for sin

and with patient love, they must work

as Christ worked, putting forth deter-

mined, unceasing effort."—"Gospel

Workers," page 31.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," pages 596, 597.

Christ, The Deliverer From Sin

LESSON 5

❑

Friday

April 28



Part 6



"Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that

A CLASH OF LAWS dwelleth in me. For I know that in: me• (that, is, in my

flesh,) dwelleth no'good thing: for to will is present with

me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For

the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I

would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is

Rom. 7:17-20 no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me."

If there is no sin, there is no need of redemption. If sin

consists merely in action, and it can be avoided, then redemp-

tion is a small matter. But if sin is a universal and incurable

wickedness, a part of our very nature, then redemption has to

be a work of God.

"None of the apostles and prophets ever claimed to be with-

out sin. Men who have lived the nearest to God, men who

would sacrifice life, itself rather than knowingly commit a

wrong act, men whom God has

•

honored with divine light and

power, have confessed the sinfulness of their nature. They have

put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of

their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of

Christ.

"So will it be with all who behold Christ. The nearer we

come to Jesus, and the more clear

-7

TAie discern the purity of

His character, the more clearly shall we see the exceeding sin-

fulness of sin, and the less shall we feel like exalting ourselves."

—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 561.

What conflict often occurs in the life of a professed

Christian? Rom. 7:17-20

In respect to weak, fallen human nature, of what

was Paul fully aware? Rom. 7:21-23.



THINK IT THROUGH



Have I renounced all obedience to the law of sin?

Have I given myself wholly to obedience to the law of

God? Is this law written in my heart?

"God does not bid you fear that He great Master Worker. Fear lest self-will

will fail to fulfill His promises, that His



shall mar the high purpose that through

patience will weary, or His compassion you God desires to accomplish. Fear

be found wanting. Fear lest your will



to trust to your own strength, fear to

shall not be held in subjection to withdraw your hand from the hand of

Christ's will, lest your hereditary and



Christ and attempt to walk life's path-

cultivated traits of character shall con-



way without His abiding presence."—

trol your life. . . . Fear lest self shall



"Christ's Object Lessons," page 161.

interpose between your soul and the

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 561, 562.

Christ, The Deliverer From Sin

LESSON 5



April 29

Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER

Complete: "The



thought is to be



Every



is to

be brought into



True or False: We are all subject to some authority. It is for us to decide

whose authority.



Multiple choice: Sanctification is a work that is done

(a)

at baptism,

(b)

at death,

(c)

during all of life,

(d)

at conversion.



Complete: "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become



the



by the

of Christ."

True or False: When Paul recognized the true character of the law, he

felt proud of himself as a Christian.



Complete: "Who shall

I thank God through



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

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

Our

LESSON 6

April 30 to May 6

WALKING WITH. JESUS

"We cannot for one moment

separate ourselves from Christ

with safety. We may have His

presence to attend us at every

step, but only by observing the

conditions which He has Himself

laid down." Ellen G. White.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:1.

Christ is the High Priest who ever lives

to make intercession for us, and faith in

Him gives us a personal interest in that

intercession. No sentence of condemnation

is recorded against those who by faith ac-

cept His salvation.

"There is therefore.

This introductory

phrase indicates the close connection be-

tween chs. 7 and 8. Chapter 8 is an expan-

sion of Paul's thankful exclamation in ch.

7:25, 'I thank God through Jesus Christ

our Lord.' He passes on now from his anal-

ysis of the painful struggle with sin to an

explanation of the life of peace and freedom

that is offered to those who live 'in Christ

Jesus.'

"No condemnation.

The good news of the

gospel is that Christ came to condemn sin,

not sinners. . . . To those who believe and

accept the generous provisions of the gospel

and who in faith commit themselves to

lives of loving obedience, Christ offers jus-

tification and freedom. There may yet be

deficiencies in the believer's character, but

`when it is in the heart to obey God, when

efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus ac-

cepts this disposition and effort as man's

best service, and He makes up for the de-

ficiency with His own divine merit.' —

SDA Bible Commentary,

on Rom. 8:1.

LESSON OUTLINE

Freedom From Condemnation

Rom. 8:1, 2

Righteousness Not Possible

in Man's Natural State

Rom. 8:6-8

Spirit Is Life

Rom. 8:9, 10

Sons of God

Rom. 8:14, 15

Children and Heirs

Rom. 8:18, 19

Assurance of Hope

Rom. 8:22-25

Walking With Jesus

LESSON 6



❑

Sunday

April 30

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them

which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in

Christ Jesus path made me free from the law of sin and

death."

One natural law often cancels out another. For example, a

child gathering mushrooms might unwittingly eat a poisonous

fungus, with potentially fatal results. But an antidote is given

to counteract the poison. Acting as "the law of life," it sets the

child "free from the law of death" that had already begun to

work in his members. In the spring, in the same way, the law

of life sets the flowers free from winter's law of death. The

"law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" set Lazarus "free from

the law of sin and death" that had imprisoned him in the tomb.

So also the law of life communicated through the Holy Spirit

will set us "free from the law of sin and death" that has so

long reigned in our hearts.

"It is our privilege to go to Jesus and be cleansed, and to

stand before the law without shame or remorse."—Steps

Christ,

page 51.

How can righteousness be achieved? Rom. 8:3-5.

What does Paul list as the "works of the flesh"? Gal.

5:19-21.

THINK IT THROUGH



Am I in captivity to the law of sin—to selfishness,

jealousy, envy,



sensual indulgence, the love of

money? It is not God's will that I should spend my days

bound in this way. I was born to be free.

Part 1

FREEDOM FROM

CONDEMNATION

Rom. 8:1, 2

"While

the Cliristian's life Will be

characterized by humility, it should not

be marked with sadness and self-de-

preciation. It is the privilege of every-

one so to live that God will approve

and bless him. It is not the will of our

heavenly Father that we should be ever

under condemnation and darkness.

There is no evidence of true, humility

in going with the head bowed down

and the heart filled with thoughts of

self. We may go to Jesus and be

cleansed, and stand before the law

without shame and remorse."—"The

Great Controversy," page 477.

"He who opens his heart to the Spirit

of Christ becomes a partaker of that

mighty power which will bring forth

his body from the grave."—"The Desire

of Ages," page 210.

"Every soul that refuses to give him-

self to God is under the control of an-

other power. He is not his own."—

"Ibid.," p. 466.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"Steps to Christ," pages 51,

63, 64.

Walking With Jesus

LESSON 6

Part 2

RIGHTEOUSNESS

NOT POSSIBLE IN

MAN'S NATURAL

STATE

Rom. 8:6-8

THINK IT THROUGH

Monday.

May 1

"For to be carnally minded is death;

;

but to be spiri-

tually minded is ,life and peace,,Because,the

carnal mind

is enmity against God: for it. is not subject to the law of

God, neither, indeed can be. So Then they that are in the

flesh cannot please God."

The phrase "carnal

;

mind" does not necessarily imply gross

sensuality.. It may reflect, no more. than a preference for carnal

things over spiritual things. , Nevertheless, such a mind is "en-

mity against God." It deems His holiness too strict, His justice

too severe,. His truth too inflexible. Even His mercy may seem

abhorrent, because of the humiliating way in which men some-

times 'misrepresent it. The, carnal mind and the law of God

are as far apart as darkness and light.

"We have great victories to gain, and a heaven to lose if

we do not gain them. The carnal heart must be crucified; for

its tendency, is to moral corruption, and the end thereof is

death. Nothing but the life-giving influences of the gospel can

help the

soui."—T.estinionies,

Vol. 5, page 267.

How does sin in the life affect our relationship with

God? Isa. 59:2. In contrast to separation from God, what

is the basis of "life eternal"? John 17:3.

" 'Life' is contrasted with 'death' and,in its highest expres-

sion, which must be in view here, it means the knowledge and

fellowship of God . . . the communion which is the apex of

true religIon. 'Peace' can readily be seen to be the correlate of

life. In this case it is no doubt the subjective effect of peace

with God . . . that is contemplated, the sense of being at one

with God: . . . Peace is the .antithesis of the" aanation and

misery which sin creates."—The

New International Commen-

tary on the New Testament, The Epistle to the Romans,

Vol.

1, pp. 285, 286.

Am I commanded to reconcile myself to God or to

renovate my own nature? If so, should I sit down in de-

spair? No! for God has provided me with a Saviour. ,

"The ability to enjoy the riches of

glory will be developed in proportion to

the desire we have for these riches.

How shall an appreciation of God and

heavenly things be developed unless

it is in this life? If the claims and cares

of the world are allowed to engross all

our time and attention, our spiritual

powers weaken and die for lack of ex-

ercise. In a mind wholly given up

earthly things every, inlet through which

light from heaven may enter is closed.

God's transfoiming grace cannot be

TeIrs67'

mind

—

61:



character."—Ellen G.

White, "Review

—

and Herald," May 28,

1901.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 8, pp. 315-316.

47,

Walking With Jesus

LESSON 6



Tuesday

May 2



Part 3



"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be

SPIRIT IS LIFE that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man

have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if

Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but



Rom. 8:9, 10



the Spirit is life because of righteousness."

By nature we are blind to spiritual things. We are assured

on the highest authority that the natural man accounts the

things of the Spirit to be foolishness, and that he not only

does not accept but cannot even know them, "because they

are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor. 2:14. With respect to the

knowledge of Christ in particular our Lord tells us that, as no

man knoweth the Father but the Son, so no man knoweth the

Son but the Father and he to whom God shall be pleased to

reveal Him. The Spirit of God must take of the things that

are Christ's and show them to us (see John 16:14, 15) ; He

must open our minds to understand them. Unless we allow

Him to guide us into all truth, we shall wander in a maze of

ignorance and error to the end of our days and perish at last

through lack of knowledge.

How is the life-giving power of the Spirit expressed?

Rom. 8:11.

What is the result of living after the flesh? What

better experience is there for every believer? Rom. 8:13.



THINK IT THROUGH



Knowing we have Christ as our Redeemer, ought we

not to be willing to break every yoke, sever every tie,

that would bind us to sin and the world?

"Everyone who has tasted of the

powers of the world to come, whether

he be young or old, learned or un-

learned, will be stirred with the spirit

which actuated Christ. The very first

impulse of the renewed heart is to bring

others also to the Saviour. Those who

do not possess this desire give evidence

that they have lost their first love; they

should closely examine their own hearts

in the light of God's Word, and ear-

nestly seek a fresh baptism of the Spirit

of Christ; they should pray for a deeper

comprehension of that wondrous love

which Jesus manifested for us in leav-

ing the realms of glory and coming to

a fallen world to save the perishing."

—"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 386.

"The tenderness and mercy that

Christ has revealTd

iii

His own precious

life will be seen in those who become

sharers of His grace. But 'if any man

have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none

of His.'. . . He is alienated from God,

fitted only for eternal separation from

Him."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page

251.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"Christ's Object Lessons," page 251.

Walking With Jesus

LESSON 6



❑

Wednesday

May 3

Part 4



"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are

SONS OF GOD the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of

bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit

Rom. 8:14, 15 of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

As a result of sin, human beings have lost their right to be

sons of God. We are essentially orphans as we wander far from

our Father and live in rebellion against Him. To be reconciled

to God is practically to be made sons again in a fuller sense

than before. Paul speaks of this as adoption (verse 15, KJV) ;

Jesus called it a second birth (John 3:3, 5). This restoration

should be the source of our deepest joy. The son is not simply

saved; he is honored. The returned prodigal is not treated as

a hired servant, but as a privileged heir. Luke 15:22, 23.

Who are designated sons of God? Rom. 8:14, 15.

THINK IT THROUGH

What witness do we have of our relationship with

God? Verse 16.

"You may have the witness of the Spirit that your ways

please God. This is obtained by believing in the Word of God,

by appropriating that Word to your own soul. This is eating

the bread of life, and this will bring eternal life. Compare

scripture with scripture. Study the representation of the life of

a true Christian as delineated in the Word of God."—Ellen G.

White,

In Heavenly Places,

page 144.

What logically follows if we are the children of God?

Rom. 8:17.

What can I see of God's truth, of God's mind, of God's

will, on my own? It involves leading, and I cannot lead

myself. Moreover, the Holy Spirit does not undertake to

lead a spiritual corpse, a soul dead in sins.

"Through trial and persecution the

glory—the character—of God is revealed

in His Cluilen

—

ones:"The believers in

Christ, hated and persecuted by the

world, are educated and disciplined in

the school of Christ. On earth they walk

in narrow paths; they are purified in

the furnace of affliction. They follow

Christ through sore conflicts; they en-

dure self-denial and experience bitter

disappointments; but thus they learn

the guilt and woe of sin, and they look

upon it with abhorrence. Being par-

takers of Christ's sufferings, they can

look beyond the gloom to the glory,

saying, 'I reckon that the sufferings of

this present time are not worthy to be

compared with the glory which shall

be revealed in us.' Rom. 8:18."—"The

Acts of the Apostles," pages 576, 577.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," page 28.

7—AQT2-71

Walking With Jesus

Part 5

CHILDREN

AND HEIRS

Rom. 8:18, 19

LESSON 6



❑

Thursday

May 4

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time

are not worthy to be compared with the glory which

shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of

the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons

of God."

Sonship does not exempt a person from suffering—sometimes

it may even cause suffering—as when we are called to suffer

because of our faith, especially in times of persecution. But we

need not look for "some great things," to bring the text into con-

formity with daily experience. No sufferings are small that have

power to affect the mind. The strife of tongues, the petty per-

secutions of home, the long continuance of some chronic dis-

ease, the anxiety connected with our occupation, may be doing

for us what greater trials did for the martyrs. We may be

sufferers in the intensity of emotion, even when the instruments

of suffering may not be the prison or the stake. The gospel,

then, does not imply immunity from suffering.

How do the sufferings of this present time compare

with the glory to be revealed? 2 Cor. 4:17, 18.

In writing of the saints' reward Ellen G. White says: "I was

shown the saints' reward, the immortal inheritance. Then I

was shown how much God's people had endured for the truth's

sake, and that they would count heaven cheap enough. They

reckoned that the sufferings of this present time were not

worthy to be compared with the glory which should be re-

vealed in them. The people of God in these last days will be

tried. But soon their last trial will come, and then they will

receive the gift of eternal

life."—Testimonies,

Vol. 1, p. 432.

When will the manifestation of the sons of God take

place? 1 John 3:1-3.

THINK IT THROUGH



Am I earnestly looking forward to this manifestation?

If I am, what am I doing to get myself and others ready?

"There are toils and conflicts and

self-denials for us all. Not one will es-

cape them. We must tread the path

where Jesus leads the way. It may be

in tears, in trials, in bereavements, in

sorrow for sins, or in seeking for the

mastery over depraved desires, unbal-

anced characters, and unholy _tempers.

It requires earnest effort to present

ceptable to God. It takes the entire

being. There is no chamber of the mind

where Satan can hold sway and carry

out his devices. Self must' be crucified.

Consecration, submission, and sacrifices

must be made that will seem like tak-

ing the very lifeblood from the heart."

—Ellen G. White, "That I May Know

Him," page 280.

ourselves a living sacrifice, holy and ac-

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 576-577.

Walking With Jesus

LESSON 6



❑

Friday

May 5



Part 6



"For we know that the whole creation groaneth and

ASSURANCE travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they,

OF HOPE but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit,

even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for

the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For

we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope:

for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if

we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience

Rom. 8:22-25 wait for it."

The whole creation is worn out with the necessity to serve

the demands of man. The earth is digged, wasted, polluted, and

deprived of its rest. The rivers have lost their vitality, and even

the oceans are dying. Thus creation groans for the slavery we

have imposed upon it. We live in a groaning world, but we

must hope in the midst of this sorrow. The throes of our

sorrow may be sharp, but the coming of Jesus will bring joy

enough to offset them.

For what do we especially need the aid of the Holy

Spirit? Rom. 8:26.

God gives us hope and enables us to be patient in waiting.

But God has another Helper for us—the Holy Spirit. The Holy

Spirit dwelling in

us,

and knowing our wants better than we,

pleads in our prayers and raises us to a higher and holier desire

than we can express in words.

How does Paul express his hope? Rom. 8:31-39.



THINK IT THROUGH



In this world, are we to be hidden away in Christ as

gems in a box, so that by and by we may be revealed

as jewels in a crown? What is our work?

"God gives us sufficient evidence to tion of the Sacred Record. . . . What-

enable us to accept the truth under-



ever is clearly established by the Word

standingly, but He does not propose to of God we should accept, without at-

remove all occasion for doubt and un-

tempting to meet every doubt which

belief. Should He do this, there would



Satan may suggest, or with our finite

no longer be a necessity for the exercise



understanding to fathom the counsels

faith;

for we would be able to walk



of the Infinite One, or to criticize the

by sight. All who with a teachable spirit



manifestations of His grace or power."

study the Word of God may learn there-

—Ellen G. White, "In Heavenly Places,"

from the Way of salvation, yet they may page 105.

not be able to understand every por-

FOR

FURTHER STUDY:

"Education," pages 263,264.

Walking With Jesus

LESSON 6



May 6

Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER

True or False: After his fall, Satan had hoped that heaven and earth would

not be eternally separated.



How does sin in the life affect our relationship with God)

Complete: "And if Christ be in you, the



because of

; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."

Multiple choice: Those who are led by the Spirit of God are called

(a)

partners (b) sons

(c)

good people

(d)

friends.



Complete: "The



of this present time are not worthy to be

compared with the



which shall be



in us."

True or False: God gives us sufficient evidence to enable us to accept the

truth understandingly, but He does not propose to remove all occasion for

doubt and unbelief.



•

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-al 'Aaop `s2upagns (E) :q ({,) :u!s lavap 'Apoq (E) !sn saluledas 41 (Z) !asIe.1 (I) :slamsuV

LESSON 7

May 7-13

GOD'S DEALING WITH JEW AND GENTILE

"God owes no one anything. Therefore

He does no one wrong although they

[proud sinners] remain in their hardness

of heart. But God has a way of helping

the lowly and paying little attention to

the great and the wise, no matter how

furious they are." Martin Luther.

"For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I

will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." Rom. 9:15.

Paul had a great solicitude for his

brethren in the flesh. Although they were

outwardly moral and religious, they had

committed the greatest sin—the sin of re-

jecting Christ.

"Paul now turns from the triumphant

and joyful climax of chapter 8 to consider

a problem that fills him with 'great heavi-

ness and continual sorrow' (ch. 9:2). Why

is it that the Jews, God's chosen people,

have so largely rejected the gospel? If the

gospel brings sure salvation to God's elect,

why are His chosen people Israel not found

among the heirs of this salvation? If the

good news of salvation is the fulfillment of

the promises made to Israel, then surely

it should meet with the approval of those

for whom it was especially intended. But

instead, it has stirred most of them to bitter

opposition.

"Paul has been preparing the way for his

discussion of this difficult and delicate

question by stressing the fact that, though

the gospel is for both Jew and Gentile, it

is for the Jew first (chs. 1:16; 2:10). . . .

In ch. 3:1 he even began to consider the

problem directly, but his full discussion of

the question has been reserved for chs. 9;

10;

11."—SDA Bible Commentary,

Rom. 9:1.

LESSON OUTLINE

The Apostle's Concern for His

People

Rom. 9:1-3

God's Purpose Not a Failure

Rom. 9:6, 7

Children of Promise

Rom. 9:7-9

God's Mercy Emphasized

Rom. 9:14-16

Gentiles Included in Purpose

of God

Rom. 9:24-26

Reason for Israel's Failure

Rom. 9:32, 33

God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile

LESSON 7



❑

Sunday

May 7

Part 1



"I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also

THE APOSTLE'S bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great

CONCERN FOR heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could

HIS PEOPLE wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my

Rom. 9:1-3 brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh."

Paul closes the previous chapter with the triumphant con-

fidence that "neither death, nor life" should be able to "sepa-

rate" him from "the love of God, which is in Christ." The list

of separating forces is comprehensive enough, but it is not ex-

haustive. The apostle omitted one potentiality which is con-

stantly separating men from the love of Christ—self. The

citadel which can resist any combination of external adversaries

may fall through the voluntary act of the garrison within. The

gate which cannot be battered down can be opened. Men cannot

be driven from Christ, but they can "go away." But Paul's

desire and prayer for Israel was that they might be saved.

What privileges of the Jews does Paul enumerate?

Rom. 9:3-5.

Upon what occasion did another devoted man of God

express a similar love for his people? Ex. 32:30-32.

THINK IT THROUGH

"Moses supplicated God in behalf of sinning Israel. He did

not try to lessen their sin before God; he did not excuse them in

their sin. He frankly acknowledged that they had sinned a

great sin, and had made them gods of gold. Then he loses his

timidity, and the interest of Israel is so closely interwoven with

his life that he comes with boldness to God and prays for Him

to forgive His people. If their sin, he pleads, is so great that

God cannot forgive them, if their names must be blotted from

His book, he prays the Lord to blot out his name also."—

Testimonies,

Vol. 3, pp. 303, 304.

To secure the world's redemption the Master did not

shrink from the possibility of divine abandonment. Do

I have the same great burden for those who are not

saved?

"Many have heard and received the

word of life, and have been strongly

moved by the truth, but have allowed

their souls to become cold, their faith

dim, through self-righteousness, self-

importance, and pride in the posses-

sion of a knowledge of truth which they

fail to practice. The truth which is not

put in practice, loses its power. The

heart is closed to its divine influence,

and those who should be workers for

Christ are idle, and souls whom they

might help are left in discouragement

and darkness and despair."—"Testimo-

nies to Ministers," pages 352, 353.

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," page 374.

Part 2

GOD'S PURPOSE

NOT A FAILURE

Rom. 9:6, 7

❑

Monday

May 8

"Not as though the word of God hath taken none

effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of 'Israel:

neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they

all children."

God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile

LESSON 7

Some possess the name, the form, but deny the power. This

does not suggest that the word of God is without effect. Some

recognize its power, but to others who do not believe, the arm

of the Lord is not revealed.

All men are God's offspring (Acts 17:28), and thus His

children. The pure in heart, the benevolent, and the unrevenge-

ful, these in particular are His children (Matt. 5:43-45). And

if from among the wayward some arise to answer the call

toward purity, then all these are accepted as "children of God

by faith in Christ Jesus." Gal. 3:26. Having received Christ

they have received "power [authority] to become the sons of

God." John 1:12.

What does it mean to be a spiritual Jew? Gal. 3:29.

"As a son of Abraham, Christ became, in a special sense, heir

to the covenant promises. . . . By baptism we acquire kinship

to Christ, and through Him acquire the right to participate

in the promises made to Abraham....

"As spiritual children of Abraham, Christians become 'joint-

heirs with Christ.' . . . As Son of God, Christ is likewise heir

to the honor and glory of heaven, and those who believe in

Him fall heir to a position of honor in the universe that would

never have been possible for created beings to enjoy had the

Word not become flesh. . . . As heirs with Abraham to the

covenant prOmises, all who emulate his lofty example of faith

will enter the 'city which hath foundations,' to which he him-

self ever looked forward in faith."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Gal. 3:29.

THINK IT THROUGH I Am I making sure that day by day I am included in

God's lirael?

"God declares, 'I will pour water

upon him that is thirsty, and floods

upon the dry ground.' Unto the upright

there ariseth light in the darkness.' ...

To those who are, seeking for •light, and

who accept it with gladness, the bright

rays from the throne of God will shine."

—"The Desire of Ages," page 47.

"The cry of Christ to the thirsty soul

is still going forth, and it appeals to us

with even greater power than -to those

who heard it in the temple on that last

day of the feast. The fountain is open

for all. The weary and exhausted ones

are offered the refreshing draught of

eternal life. Jesus is still crying, 'Ifany

man thirst, let him come unto Me, and

drink.'"—"Ibid.," p. 454.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 68,69.

❑

Tuesday

May



Part 3



"In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which

CHILDREN OF are the children of the flesh, these are not the children

PROMISE of God: but the children of the promise are counted for

the seed. For this is the word of promise, At this time

Rom. 9:7-9 will I come, and Sarah shall have a son."

The seven words from Rom. 9:7 (above) are quoted from

the Septuagint version as used in Paul's day. Compare Heb.

11:18. There was, however, now a better promise about all the

families of the earth being blessed through a particular seed.

God promised that Abraham's seed would come through Isaac.

Gen. 21:12. In other words, the promise of a Messiah was now

held before them as their highest hope. Isaac and Jacob foresaw

the call through the promised Messiah.

How does Paul state that God's purpose was alto-

gether through the promised seed of faith? Rom. 9:8.

What was to be the relationship between the two

brothers? Rom. 9:12, 13.

"Esau had no love for devotion, no inclination to a religious

life. The requirements that accompanied the spiritual birthright

were an unwelcome and even hateful restraint to him. The law

of God, which was the condition of the divine covenant with

Abraham, was regarded by Esau as a yoke of bondage. . . .

"Jacob had learned from his mother of the divine intimation

that the birthright should fall to him, and he was filled with

an unspeakable desire for the privileges which it would confer."

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 178.



THINK IT THROUGH



As in Isaac's family there was a profane Esau as well

as a godly Jacob, so is the remnant church a mixed com-

pany, as our Saviour teaches by numerous parables. How

do I stand in the church? Am I an Esau or a Jacob?

"The Redeemer will not accept di-

the character that is to stand in the

vided service. Daily the worker for God time of final test. And day by day the

must learn the meaning of self-sur-



believer is working out before men and

render. He must study the Word of God, angels a sublime experiment, showing

learning its meaning and obeying its what the gospel can do for fallen hu-

precepts. Thus he may reach the stan-

man beings."—"Gospel Workers," page

dard of Christian excellence. Day by



113.

day God works with him, perfecting

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 2, p. 109.

God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile

LESSON 7

God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile

LESSON 7



❑

Wednesday

May 10

Part 4



"What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness

GOD'S MERCY with God? God forbid. For He saith to Moses, I will have

EMPHASIZED mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have com-

passion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not

of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God

Rom. 9:14-16 that showeth mercy."

Paul now answers two objections that a Jew might raise to

his reasoning about the called seed through Isaac, and in

verse 19 he continues to answer their objections.

THINK IT THROUGH

How does Paul illustrate the sovereignty of God?

Rom. 9:17, 18.

"Though this haughty tyrant [Pharaoh] had by his crimes

forfeited the mercy of God, yet his life had been preserved that

through his stubbornness the Lord might manifest His wonders

in the land of Egypt. The disposing of events is of God's provi-

dence. He could have placed upon the throne a more merciful

king, who would not have dared to withstand the mighty mani-

festations of divine power. But in that case the Lord's purposes

would not have been accomplished. His people were permitted

to experience the grinding cruelty of the Egyptians, that they

might not be deceived concerning the debasing influence of

idolatry. In His dealing with Pharaoh, the Lord manifested His

hatred of idolatry and His determination to punish cruelty and

oppression."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 267, 268.

What further illustration is used by Paul to stress

God's sovereignty? Rom. 9:19-23.

Am I willing to be saved? When the Lord says to me,

"Whosoever will, let him come," I cannot say this does

not refer to me. If I am willing, He bids me come and

take the water of life freely.

"The Saviour watches for a response

to His offers of love and forgiveness,

with a more tender compassion than

that which moves the heart of an

earthly parent to forgive a wayward,

suffering son. . . . But if the erring one

persistently refuses to heed the voice

that calls him with pitying, tender love,

he will at last be left in darkness. The

heart that has long slighted God's

mercy, becomes hardened in sin, and

is no longer susceptible to the influence

of the grace of God. Fearful will be the

doom of that soul of whom the plead-

ing Saviour shall finally declare, he 'is

joined to idols: let him alone.' . . . It

will be more tolerable in the day of

judgment for the cities of the plain than

for those who have known the love of

Christ, and yet have turned away to

choose the pleasures of a world of sin."

—"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 165.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies to Min isters," pages 202, 203.

God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile

LESSON 7



❑

Thursday

May 11

Part 5



"Even

us, whom He hath called, not of the Jews only,

GENTILES INCLUDED but also of the Gentiles? As He saith also in Hosea, 1 will

IN PURPOSE OF GOD call them My people, which were not My people; and her

beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to

pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye

are not My people; there shall they be called the children

Rom. 9:24-26 of the living God."

Paul strongly intimated that the Jews as a nation were now

to be rejected as God's special people and that the Gentiles were

to be considered in a new light. This he knew was a most offen-

sive subject to many; and therefore he had shown, both from

God's word to Moses and from His dealings with Pharaoh, that

God had a right to communicate His blessings, or execute His

judgments, in His own way and according to His own wisdom.

"Called" is in the sense of the gospel summons, as in 1 Cor.

1:9.

Does He call Jews and Gentiles in the same way?

Rom. 9:24. What had Isaiah said about the remnant?

Rom. 9:27; Isa. 10:22.

What name is given to the once unfaithful who turn

to God through Christ? Rom. 9:26.

What is God's basis in dealing with both Jew and

Gentile? Rom. 9:30, 31.

THINK IT THROUGH • Those who give themselves to Christ become not only

God's people, but God's children; not only His servants,

but His heirs. He manifests the power of divine grace

which can transform "stones" into children. Am I pre-

pared to let Him have His way with me?

"That which God purposed to do for

the world through Israel, the chosen

nation, He will finally accomplish

through His church on earth today. He

has 'let out His vineyard unto other

husbandmen,' even to His covenant-

keeping people, who faithfully 'render

Him the fruits in their seasons.' Never

has the Lord been without true repre-

sentatives on this earth who have made

His interests their own. These witnesses

for God are numbered among the spir-

itual Israel, and to them will be ful-

filled all the covenant promises made

by Jehovah to His ancient people."—

"Prophets and Kings," pages 713, 714.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," page 376.

God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile

LESSON 7



❑

Friday

May

Part 6



"Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but

REASON FOR as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at

ISRAEL'S FAILURE that stumbling stone; as it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion

a stumbling stone and rock of offense: and whosoever

Rom. 9:32, 33 believeth on Him shall not be ashamed."

"Why was this?" Paul asks why Israel had not achieved

righteousness. Then he answers his own question. It is because

the religion of the Jews was "not based on faith, but (as they

supposed) on deeds." NEB. The great lesson is for all genera-

tions, that righteousness can be attained only by faith. See

Rom. 3:21, 22.

Any kind of working to be righteous is men's way, and it

causes them to stumble. (See Rom. 14:13 on stumbling blocks.)

In what way is Christ considered to be a "stumbling

stone"? 1 Cor. 1:23, 24; 1 Peter 2:7, 8.

"How is Christ a "cornerstone"? 1 Peter 2:5, 6.

"To those who believe, Christ is the sure foundation. These

are they who fall upon the Rock and are broken. Submission

to Christ and faith in Him are here represented. . . .

"Our eternal safety depends upon our building upon the sure

foundation. Multitudes are today building upon foundations

that have not been tested. When the rain falls, and the tempest

rages, and the floods come, their house will fall, because it is

not founded upon the eternal Rock, the chief cornerstone Christ

Jesus."—The

Desire 4f Ages,

pages 599, 600.

THINK IT THROUGH

Why is Jesus, the Saviour of men, called "a stumbling

stone and rock of offense"?

To cause us to consider what

our own attitude is toward Christ. Am I clinging to Him

as my Rock of safety,.or am I being repelled from Him

as from a rock of offense?

"'To them which stumble at the

Word, being disobedient,' Christ is a

rock of offense. But 'the stone which the

builders disallowed, the same is made

the head of ,the corner.' Like the re-

jected stone, Christ in His earthly mis-

sion had borne neglect and abuse. . . .

But the time was near when He would

be glorified. By the resurrection from

the dead He would be declared 'the

Son of God with power.' . . . At His

second coming He would be revealed

as Lord of heaven and earth. Those who

were now about to crucify Him would

recognize His greatness. Before the uni-

verse the rejected stone would become

the head of the corner."—"The Desire

of Ages," page 600.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"The Story of Redemption," page 252.

God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile

LESSON 7



May 13

Part 7

SUMMARY QUESTIONS

TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER

What does the apostle say he wished had happened to him in behalf of

his brethren?



Complete: "And if ye be



, then are ye



seed, and



according to the



True or False: The selection of Jacob over Esau was made before he or

his brother was born.



Complete: "It is not of him that



, nor of him that

but of



that showeth mercy."

True or False: Paul did not believe that the Jews were to be rejected as

a people.



Multiple choice: Our eternal safety depends upon

(a)

associating with

the best people

(b)

working for Christ,

(c)

our building upon Christ as the

sure foundation,

(d)

reading good books.



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LESSON 8

May 14-20

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH,

AN OLD TESTAMENT PRINCIPLE

"God's light and glory, manifest

to us as gracious privileges and

blessings, if slighted, unused,

unapplied, will lead to the same

results that wrecked Israel of

old." M. C. Wilcox.

"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth."

Rom. 10:4.

The topic of justification by faith comes

to many as water to a thirsty traveler. To

all it should be a precious thought.

"The subject he [Paul] discusses in this

chapter is the fact asserted in Rom. 9:31-

33, that Israel had failed to attain to righ-

teousness because they had been seeking for

a righteousness based upon the merits of

their own works. But before entering upon

the painful task of pointing out the failure

and guilt of his own people, Paul renews

his assurance of heartfelt concern for their

salvation."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

Rom. 10:1.

He proceeds to cite Moses and Isaiah

and Joel as authority for the fact that only

faith in Christ can bring salvation. He ends

his discourse with the assurance that God

has not rejected His people as individuals.

Salvation is still open to them and to the

Gentiles alike.

LESSON OUTLINE

Zealous but Ignorant

Rom. 10:1-3

Moses' Declaration

Rom. 10:5-7

The Basis of Faith

Rom. 10:14, 15, 17

Israel's Lack of Comprehension

Rom. 10:19-21

Paul's Own Experience

Rom. 11:1, 2

By Grace, Not Works

Rom. 11:5, 6

Justification by Faith, an Old Testament

LESSON 8



❑

Sunday

Principle



May 14

Part 1



"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for

ZEALOUS BUT Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record

IGNORANT that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowl-

edge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and

going about to establish their own righteousness, have

Rom. 10:1-3 not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."

It was his "heart's desire." Not all today who are interested

in the salvation of men are influenced by Paul's great yearning

for Israel "that they might be saved." This great burden shows

that all included in this desire (9:3) were not beyond hope.

Compare Rom. 11:23.

What does Rom. 10:2 teach us about the relationship be-

tween earnestness and correct knowledge? Earnestness that is

not built on an intelligent knowledge of God's truth may leave

us unsaved. Our zeal must be based on true knowledge.

"It was no ordinary desire that the apostle felt. Constantly

he was petitioning God to work in behalf of the Israelites who

had failed to recognize Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Mes-

siah."

—

The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 374.

Whom did the Jews fail to see in the law? Rom. 10:4.

How did the Jews seek to "establish" their own righ-

teousness?

THINK IT THROUGH

"They were unable to discern the deep spiritual significance

of their symbolic service. In their self-righteousness they trusted

to their own works, to the sacrifices and ordinances themselves,

instead of relying upon the merits of Him to whom all these

things pointed. Thus 'going about to establish their own righ-

teousness' . . . , they built themselves up in a self-sufficient

formalism."—Prophets

and Kings,

pages 708, 709.

The heart that goes up first to God must then go out

to men. Often the shortest and surest way to reach men

is by way of God's throne. Am I now working and pray-

ing for the salvation of some soul?

"Priests and rulers became fixed in

a rut of ceremonialism. They were sat-

isfied with a legal religion, and it was

impossible for them to give to others the

living truths of heaven. They thought

their own righteousness all-sufficient,

and did not desire that a new element

should be brought into their religion.

The goodwill of God to men they did

not accept as something apart from

themselves,. but connected it with their

own merit because of their good works.

The faith that works by love and puri-

fies the soul could find no place for

union with the religion of the Pharisees,

made up of ceremonies and the injunc-

tions of men."—"The Acts of the Apos-

tles," page 15.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," page 219.

Justification by Faith, an Old Testament

LESSON 8



❑

Monday

Principle



May 15

Part 2



"For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of

MOSES' the law, That the man which

doeth those things shall live

DECLARATION by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh

on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into

heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or,

Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up

Rom. 10:5-7 Christ again from the dead)."

If we wish to be saved by the law, we must do its com-

mands, Paul is saying, quoting Lev. 18:5 almost word for word.

Paul is using a Jewish concept that if you think salvation comes

by law, you must keep it absolutely literally, without grace and

mercy. Faith introduces both grace and mercy. The law is

spelled out in the Ten Commandments. We know them, and

if we desire eternal life, we must ask for God's grace and mercy

to keep them. Obedience follows faith and surrender. Thus the

law gives us a knowledge of God's will, and the gospel gives us

grace to conform.

"Many have said: 'You must do good works, and you will

live'; but apart from Christ no one can do good works. Many

at the present day say, 'Believe, only believe, and live.' Faith

and works go together, believing and doing are blended. The

Lord requires no less 'of the soul now, than He required of

Adam in Paradise before he fell—perfect obedience, unblem-

ished righteousness. . . . The gospel does not weaken the claims

of the law; it exalts the law and makes it honorable."—Selected

Messages,

Bk. 1, p. 373.

What does "say not in thine heart," et cetera, mean?

THINK IT THROUGH

To determine to find salvation by our own deeds is to act

as though Christ had never come down from heaven to teach

us faith and grace, as if we do not really believe that He rose

from the dead. Only by faith in what he has done can the

believer receive life and power to obey God in all things.

Could men

saved anciently by the righteousness

that "Moses describeth"?

Shall we place anyone outside of God's limit and

power to reach and save? For how many then should we

pray?

"When we bring our lives

to corn- righteousness, God will work in our

plete obedience to the law of God, re- behalf."—Ellen G. White Comments,

garding God as our supreme Guide, "SDA Bible Commentary," Vol. 1, p.

and clinging to Christ as our, hope of



1118.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 391, 392.

Justification by Faith, an Old Testament

LESSON 8

Principle

Part 3

THE BASIS OF FAITH

Rom. 10:14, 15, 17

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Tuesday

May 16

"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have

not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom

they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a

preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be

sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them

that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings

of good things!"

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the

Word of God."

Now come four questions arising from the quotation in Rom.

10:14, 15.

What is the first answer? None can call on God unless they

believe in Him. See Heb. 11:6. Joel prophesied that men would

believe and call. Joel 2:32.

How can we believe in God whose voice we have not heard?

In great part through words spoken from burning hearts of

men and women chosen and sent, both by God and by men.

"A preacher." A herald proclaiming good news. Compare

verse 8.

"How beautiful are the feet," et cetera. Quotation from Isa.

52:7, which prophecy found no worthwhile fulfillment in the

return from Babylon (especially not chapter 53) and must have

pointed forward to a great future day.

"The greatest work, the noblest effort, in which men can

engage, is to point sinners to the Lamb of God. True ministers

are colaborers with the Lord in the accomplishment of His

purposes. God says to them, Go, teach and preach Christ. In-

struct and educate all who know not of His grace, His good-

ness, and His mercy. Teach the

people."

—

Gospel Workers,

pages 18, 19.

What was Israel's attitude toward the gospel they

had heard? Rom. 10:16, 18.

Is true devotion to Christ, in my thinking, a luxury of

first-century believers, which can find no lasting home

in our modern civilization? Does my heart find in Him,

as in no one else, its rest? What is my attitude toward

the gospel?

"Here is where thousands fail; they

do not believe that Jesus pardons them

personally, individually. They do not

take God at His word. It is the privilege

of all who comply with the conditions

to know for themselves that pardon is

freely extended for every sin. Put away

the suspicion that God's promises are

not meant for you. They are for every

repentant transgressor. . . . He is wait-

ing to strip them of their garments

stained and polluted with sin, and to

put upon them the white robes of righ-

teousness; He bids them live and not

die."—"Steps to Christ," pages 52, 53.

FOR

FURTHER STUDY: "Christ's Object Lessons," page 100.

Justification by Faith, an Old Testament

LESSON 8



❑

Wednesday

Principle



May 17



Part 4



"But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I

ISRAEL'S LACK OF will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people,

COMPREHENSION and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is

very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought

Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not

after Me. But to Israel He saith, All day long I have

stretched forth My hands unto a disobedient and gain-



Rom. 10:19-21



saying people."

The question expects a negative answer when rendered, "Can

it be that Israel failed to recognize the message?" The quotations

prove that they should have known.

"Moses saith," et cetera, is from Deut. 32:21. In verse 20

Moses called them "children in whom is no faith."

The words, "I will provoke," do not suggest provoking to

anger, but an attempt to stir them up by showing mercy and

love toward other peoples. See Rom. 9:25.

What should the expression "I was found of them that sought

Me not" have done to Jewish thinking? They should have re-

joiced in such an accessible, merciful God. Now it is God in

person who is making Himself to be found, even when the man

is not seeking after Him.

THINK IT THROUGH

Why could the Jews not claim that they had never

heard of righteousness by faith?

"The prophet Isaiah, looking down through the centuries

and witnessing the rejection of prophet after prophet and finally

of the Son of God, was inspired to write concerning the accept-

ance of the Redeemer by those who had never before been

numbered among the children of Israel."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

page 375.

Another man made the same charge as Paul made.

Acts 7:51-53.

There are in everyday life two ways of waking a man

out of deep slumber. We may shout in his ear and rudely

shake his person; or we may bring a lamp into the room

and leave it burning. The latter is the way God most

often works. Has He left a lamp burning for me that I

have not yet noticed?

"To Isaiah it was given to make very

plain to Judah the truth that among

the Israel of God were to be numbered

many who were not descendants of

Abraham after the flesh. This teaching

was not in harmony with the theology

of his age, yet he fearlessly proclaimed

the messages given him of God and

brought hope to many a longing heart

reaching out after the spiritual blessings

promised to the seed of Abraham."—

"Prophets and Kings," page 367.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," page 375.

Justification by Faith, an

Old Testament

LESSON 8



❑

Thursday

Principle



May 18

„ .



Part 5



"I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God

PAUL'S OWN: forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of. the seed of Abra-

- EXPERIENCE - ham, of the tribe of Benjamin, God hath not cast away

Rom. 11:1, 2 His people which He:foreknew."

"Cast away His people" is from the Septuagint version of

Ps. 94:14 ("for the

Lord will not cast off His people"), hence

the answer to Paul's question here is that God did not cast

away His remnant in Israel who were of faith. However, hence-

forth they were no longer to be saved as a nation. Even when

admitted into the kingdom of God, into which they still might

enter by "the obedience of faith," they should have no pre-

eminence over their believing Gentile brethren. John 10 : 16.

"Notwithstanding Israel's failure as a nation, there remained

among them a goodly remnant of such as should be saved. At

the time of the Saviour's advent there were faithful men and

women who had received with gladness the message of John

the Baptist, and had thus been led to study anew the prophe-

' cies concerning the Messiah; When the early Christian church

was founded, it was composed of these faithful Jews who

recognized Jesus of Nazareth as the One for whose advent they

had been longing."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages 376, 377.

What was Paul seeking to prove by citing his own

tribal descent?

That he was of a remnant of a tribe (Benjamin) that re-

turned from captivity. See Ezra 4:1; 10:9.

What experience does .the apostle cite to establish his

point further? Rom. 11:2-4.



Why hasn't God cast away His people if they are

unfaithful?



THINK IT THROUGH



There are many who are called. The few are the

chosen who accept the call. Am I among the small minor-

ity whose faith is proved by character and by works?

"The -work for the Jews, as outlined

in' the eleventh chapter of Romans, is

a work that is to be treated with special

wisdom. It is a work that must not be

ignored. The wisdom of God must come

to our people. In all wisdom and righ-

teousness we must clear the King's high-

way. The Jews are to be given every

opportunity of coming to the light."—

Ellen G. White, Letter 96, 1910.

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," page

171.

Justification by Faith, an Old Testament

LESSON 8



•

Friday

Principle



May 19

•

Part 6



"Even so then at this present time 'also there is a rem-

BY GRACE, nant according to the election of grace. And if by grace,

NOT WORKS then is it no more of works: otherwise grace' is no more

grace. But •if it be of works, then is it no more grace:

Rom. 11:5, 6 otherwise work is no more work."

Grace is pardon to the guilty, restoration to the undone.

It never pauses until it has discovered our low estate, and never

relaxes until it has lifted us from it. Jesus "poured out His

soul unto death" to follow in the train of the sinner who strives

to save himself. The Pharisee' said,' "God, I thank Thee, that

I am not as other men are." Luke 18:11. The publican implored,

"God be merciful to me a,sinner." Verse 13. The gospel repeats,

"By grace are ye saved." Eph. 2:8. And it adds the reason:

"Not of works, lest any man should boast." Verse 9.

THINK IT THROUGH

What disappointment must necessarily come to Israel,

who sought righteousness by works? Rom. 11:7, 8.

"There is no such thing in the Word of God as unconditional

election—once in grace, always in grace. In the second chapter

of Second ,Peter the subject is made plain and distinct. After

a history of sonic who followed an evil course, the explanation

is given: 'which have forsaken the 'right way, . . . following

the way of Balsam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of

unrighteousness.' . . . [2 Peter 2:15-20 quoted.] Here is a class

of whom the apostle warns, Tor it had been better for them

not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they

have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered

unto them.' "—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commen-

tary,

Vol. 6, p. 11.14.

Of what are the willfully impenitent said to be

worthy? Rom. 11:9, 10.

A succession of works forms a habit, a variety of

habits molds a character. This can be good or bad. But

am I proceeding upon the merits of my past conduct, or

am I relying upon the righteousness of Christ?

"Everything must be viewed in the

light of the example of Christ. He is the

truth. He is the true Light that lighteth

every man who cometh into the world.

Listen to His words, copy His example

in self-denial and self-sacrifice, and

look to the merits of Christ for the glory

in character which He possesses to be

bestowed on you. Those who follow

Christ live not to =please themselves.

Human standards are like feeble reeds.

The Lord's standard is perfection of

character."—"Testimonies to Ministers,"

pages 419, 420.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "SDA Bible Commentary," Vol. 6, p.1114.

Answers: (I) By works of the law; (2) c; (3) feet, preach, gospel, peace; (4) stretched, disobe-

dient, gainsaying; (5) Benjamin, to show that he had as much heritage to boast of as the rest;

(6) True.

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LESSON 9

May 21-27

THE SOVEREIGNTY AND MERCY OF GOD

"He who has chosen Christ has

joined himself to a power that

no array of human wisdom or

strength can overthrow." Ellen

G. White.

"0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how

unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!" Rom. 11:33.

The law of God reveals the love and

mercy of God. It also says something about

His sovereignty, and all of these are dis-

cussed in the lesson before us. In the mem-

ory verse, "depth" suggests something to

deep for man to express about God's wis-

dom. In chapter 8:39 the same word indi-

cates that unfathomable depth cannot sep-

arate us from God's love.

"Riches" is used in Rom. 2:4 and 9:23,

and it expresses God's illimitable goodness

and mercy in saving sinners. In 10:12 it

represents the same rich grace and love

manifested to both Jew and Gentile. God's

judgments and ways in the plan of salva-

tion are beyond man's knowledge.

"God works in us by the light of His

truth, which lighteneth every man that

cometh into the world. The Scriptures refer

to the works of God as they are revealed

in our world, as so many teachers whose

voices have gone out through the whole

earth, proclaiming the attributes of God.

The mind must see the truth, and will bend

to its claims, when it is presented to us

based upon Scriptural evidence."—Ellen G.

White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6, p. 1080.

LESSON OUTLINE

Twofold Purpose

Rom. 11:11, 12

Examples of Grafting

Rom. 11:16-20

Goodness and Severity of God

Rom. 11:21-24

God's Unchanging Purpose for

Israel

Rom. 11:28, 29

Conclusions Drawn From Old

Testament

Rom. 11:34-36

Call to Sacrifice and

Nonconformity

Rom. 12:1, 2

The Sovereignty and Mercy of God

LESSON 9



❑

Sunday

May 21



Part 1



"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall?

TWOFOLD PURPOSE God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is

come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and

the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how



Rom. 11:11, 12



much more their fullness?"

The Jews stumbled at "that stumbling stone" and at the

gospel of Christ, and in consequence of their unbelief, preachers

of the first century turned to the Gentiles. However, God makes

all conditions serve the good of His elect. If the individual

Jews stand, it is all to the good. But if they fall, God's pro-

gram still moves on. If they rise again and stand as individuals

saved by the merits of Jesus, this, too, will be marvelous in our

eyes.

Is it possible to "fall" and rise again as Christians?

1 Cor. 10:12; Prov. 24:16.

What did Paul hope to accomplish through the gospel

to the Gentiles? Rom. 11:13, 14.

What comparison is drawn between the casting away

and the receiving of the Hebrew people? Rom. 11:15.

THINK IT THROUGH

Rejection, or casting away, describes what happened to the

nation which might have become the light of the world. As a

result the world was enlightened by Gentile evangelism.

A stumbling block is that which causes men to fall

into a snare or a trap. The gospel, when believed, raises

men to heaven; when rejected, it remains only for men

to fall into the pit of eternal death. To those who have

faith the grace of God brings salvation; to those bound

by unbelief, it is incomprehensible. What is it for me?

"Salvation is a free gift, and yet it is

to be bought and sold... .

"The gospel of Christ is a blessing

that all may possess. The poorest are

as well able as the richest to purchase

salvation; for no amount of worldly

wealth can secure it. It is obtained by

willing obedience, by giving ourselves

to Christ as His own purchased posses-

sion....

"We cannot earn salvation, but we

are to seek for it with as much interest

and perseverance as though we would

abandon everything in the world for

it."—"Christ's Object Lessons," pages

116, 117.

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 375-376.

El Monday

May 22

Part 2



, "For,,if,the

rstfruit be holy, the lump.is also holy: and

EXAMPLES OF

•

if the 'root be holy, so are the branches. And if;some of

GRAFTING , the, branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive

tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them par-

takest of•,the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not

against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not

the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The

branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well;

because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou

Rom. 11:16:20 standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear."

"Firstfruit" is a term referring to the portion of dough re-

served for the making of a cake for the priests. See Num. 15:17-

21; compare Rom. 8:23. The whole lump becomes holy, so to

speak, in the Christian church.

THINK IT THROUGH

Why were the old branches, cut off? Why were new

ones taking their places? Rom. 11:20.

What custom was to be followed by the Israelites when

they Came into the Promised Land? Num. 15:18-21.

God commanded these ceremonies to teach the Jews that

they received all blessings from the Lord. They were ways

by which they could have recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

"When the early Christian church was founded, it was com-

posed of these faithful Jews who recognized Jesus of Nazareth

as the one for whose advent they had been longing. It is to

this

remnant that Paul refers when he writes, 'If the firstfruit

be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are

the branches!"—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 377.

God had to break off the branches of natural Israel

because they failed to spread the knowledge of salvation

among the nations. Am I better than they in the work of

winning souls?

The Sovereignty and Mercy of. God

',LESSON 9

"This entire chapter is

lesson which

entreat all who claim to be members

of the body of Christ to study.... Very

plainly these words show that there is

to be no disparaging of the agencies

which God has placed in the church.

"Sanctified ministry calls for self-

denial. The cross must be uplifted and

its place in the gospel work shown.

Human influence is to draw its efficacy

from the One who is able to save and

to keep saved all who recognize their

dependence on Him. By the union of

church members with Christ and with

one another the transforming power of

the gospel is to be diffused through-

out the world."—"Testimonies," Vol. 6,

pages 239, 240.

FOR

FURTHER STUDY: "Christ's

Object Lessons," page 306.

The Sovereignty and Mercy of God

LESSON 9



❑

Tuesday

May 23

Part 3



"For if God spared not the natural branches, take

GOODNESS AND heed lest He also spare not thee. Behold therefore the

SEVERITY OF GOD goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, sever-

ity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His

goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they

also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted

in: for God is able to graft them in again. For if thou wert

cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert

grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how

much more shall these, which be the natural branches,

Rom. 11:21-24 be grafted into their own olive tree?"

The "fear" in verse 20 is here given a reason. God is not

disposed to tolerate in His vineyard those who only cumber

the ground. If an Israelite be left out of the reckoning, what

will happen to a Canaanite, or a hyprocrite, or a rebel? God's

goodness and severity are conditional on the faith or unbelief

of the branches, whether they are natural or grafted.

THINK IT THROUGH

For what purpose does Paul mention the two char-

acteristics of God? Rom. 11:22.

What was the underlying cause of Israel's rejection?

Rom. 11:25.

What provision will yet be effective for Israel? Rom.

11:26, 27.

Am I putting off the idea of uniting myself fully to

Christ until I have tasted more of the pleasures of the

world, and thereby creating the probability that I may

never know the fullness of His blessing and His presence?

Am I becoming a little too sure of myself because I am

of the "remnant church"? Could the same thing happen

today that happened in Israel's time?

"God's dealings with the Gentiles



tion they enjoy. But on the other hand,

show that He is full of kindness and God's treatment of the Jews reveals the

long-suffering toward men. . . . His severity He must exercise upon those

goodness will always be shown toward who trust in themselves."—"SDA Bible

those who trust in Him rather than in Commentary," on Rom. 11:22.

their own merits or the privileged posi-

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 47.

❑

Wednesday.

May 24

"As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your

sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for

the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are

without repentance."

What unbelieving Jews rejected in enmity, the believing Gen-

tiles accepted in faith and love. But unbelievers are still God's

friends if they turn to Him.

"For the fathers' sakes" probably means that the promises

to the faithful fathers were still regarded by God as open to the

children who elected to accept them, and thus become children

of the election, or the elect children of God. They are still

"beloved of God."

The Sovereignty and Mercy of God

LESSON 9

Part 4

GOD'S

UNCHANGING

PURPOSE FOR

ISRAEL

Rom. 11:28,29

THINK IT THROUGH

How will divine mercy extended to the Gentiles affect

the Jews? Rom. 11:30-32.

The Gentile nations were then heathen, but now number

millions of believers; the Jews became hostile in refusing faith

in Jesus, but many of them will yet find a way to accept Him

through the mercy extended to the Gentiles. Verse 32 states

the divine prophecy, which is that God has included the whole

world as candidates for salvation by the exercise of individual

faith.

What is said of God's wisdom? Rom. 11:33.

God loved the world for His own sake. He loves sin-

ners also for His Son's sake. His love to fathers is remem-

bered in behalf of their children. Lev. 26:42. Children

are loved for their parents' sakes. How privileged I am

if I have godly parents. How great is my responsibility!

How deep should be my gratitude!

"Even Paul, with his great intellect

and his keen insight into the things of

God, is constrained to acknowledge

that God's decisions and ways are be-

yond man's limited understanding. God

reveals to us as much of His wisdom

and purposes as is for our best good.

Beyond that we must rely upon the

ample evidences of His love, mercy, and

power."—"SDA Bible Commentary," on

Rom. 11:33.

"There is need today of such a revi-

val of true heart religion as was ex-

perienced by ancient Israel. Repentance

is the first step that must be taken by

all who would return to God. No one

can do this work for another. We must

individually humble our souls before

God and put away our idols. When we

have done all that we can do, the Lord

will manifest to us His salvation."—

"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 590.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," page 720.

The Sovereignty and Mercy of God

LESSON 9

Part 5

CONCLUSIONS

DRAWN FROM

OLD TESTAMENT

Rom. 11:34-36

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Thursday

May 25

"For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who

hath been His counselor? or who hath first given to Him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him,

and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom

be glory forever. Amen."

"Who hath known the mind of the Lord?" is taken from

Isa. 40:13. Our knowledge is theoretical, but God's wisdom is

practical. His gifts are not given for something He first re-

ceived from us. They are favors given freely (Job. 41:11), for

He is the beginning, continuance, and end of all things except

sin.

What Old Testament characters does Paul quote? Isa.

40:13; Job 41:11.

"We are wholly dependent upon God, and our faith is

strengthened by still believing, though we cannot see God's

purpose in His dealing with us, or the consequence of this

dealing."—Temperance,

page 195.

What is one of the most conclusive proofs of the deity

of Christ? Rom. 11:36. Compare Col. 1:16.

"If Christ made all things, He existed before all things. The

words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need

be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest

sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed

forevermore."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Com-

mentary,

Vol. 5, p. 1126.

Man knows only what God reveals. Do we talk as

though we know God's mind on everything? Christ is the

fullest revelation of God, but do we know all the mys-

teries surrounding His incarnation, nature, and resurrec-

tion? Does this increase my awe and reverence for the

Deity?

"As we learn more and more of what

God is, and of what we ourselves are

in His sight, we shall fear and tremble

before Him. Let men of today take

warning from the fate of those who in

ancient times presumed to make free

with that which God had declared sa-

cred. When the Israelites ventured to

open the ark on its return from the

land of the Philistines, their irreverent

daring was signally punished."—"The

Ministry of Healing," pages 435, 436.

"No mortal mind can penetrate the

secrecy in which the Mighty One dwells

and works. Only that which He sees fit

to reveal can we comprehend of Him.

Reason must acknowledge an authority

superior to itself. Heart and intellect

must bow to the great I AM."—"Ibid.,"

p. 438.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"The Ministry of Healing," pages 433, 434.

The Sovereignty and Mercy of God

LESSON 9



❑

Friday

May

Part 6



"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of

CALL TO God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,

SACRIFICE AND acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

NONCONFORMITY And be not conformed to this world: but be ye trans-

formed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove

what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of

Rom. 12:1, 2 God."

Paul now makes practical application of the doctrine of righ-

teousness by faith by reference to the Old Testament sacrifices

—which to have any moral value must be dead. The sacrifice

of which Paul speaks must be presented living. The believer is

therefore a priest who lays upon the altar his own living body.

And as it was the work of the Jewish priest not only to present

the sacrifice, but to see that it was without blemish and properly

offered, so the Christian's sacrifice is to be kept from all contact

with the degrading or sensual. Hence it is to be "acceptable to

God" as our reasonable service.

"In that ancient ritual, which was the gospel in symbol, no

blemished offering could be brought to God's altar. The sacri-

fice that was to represent Christ must be spotless. The Word

of God points to this as an illustration of what His children

are to be—`a living sacrifice,' holy and without blemish,' well-

pleasing to God.'

"—The Ministry of Healing,

page 130.

THINK IT THROUGH

How does Paul esteem the human body? 1 Cor. 6:13,

15-20; 7:4, 34; 2 Cor. 5:6, 8, 10.

Is God's will for each individual fixed by predeter-

mined purpose, or is it related to the believer's obedience

to the commandments? Matt. 7:21; Acts 13:22; Eph. 5:17.

The priestly service is required of all believers without

distinction. Have I been anointed with the Holy Spirit?

Have I been called and separated and consecrated to

God's service?

"The apostle entreats his brethren to

consecrate their bodies to God. . . .

When we pursue a course to lessen

mental and physical vigor—in eating,

drinking, or in any of our habits—we

dishonor God, for we rob Him of the

service He claims of us. When we in-

dulge appetite at the expense of health,

or when we indulge habits which lessen

our vitality and mental vigor, we can-

not have a high appreciation of the

atonement and a right estimate of eter-

nal things."—Ellen G. White, "In Heav-

enly Places," page 193.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Fundamentals of Christian Education," pages 289,290.

The Sovereignty and Mercy of God

LESSON 9



May 27

Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G

TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER

True or False: The poor are not in as fortunate a position as the rich to

obtain salvation, because they are not usually as well educated



Complete: "For if the

the root be holy, so are the

be holy, the



is also holy: and if

Who arc the "natural" branches?



Who are the "grafted"

branches?



Complete: "Our Father in heaven orders everything in



and



What is one of the most conclusive proofs of the deity of Christ)



True or False: The Old Testament sacrifice that represented Christ was

to be without blemish.



•

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-1141 'mops9+A (17) :soillua9 944



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

4sig (Z) !asIud (I) :siamsuV

LESSON 10

May 28 to June 3

EXHORTATIONS TO CHURCH MEMBERS 1O

"The Christian, filled with the

knowledge of an eternal love,

is told how not to dream, but to

serve, with all the mercies of God

for his motive." Handley C. G.

Moule.

"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the

same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members

one of another." Rom. 12:4, 5.

In the latter portion of his letter to the

Romans Paul deals with the practical ap-

plication of the gospel in relation to certain

problems faced by the followers of Christ

from that age to the end of time.

In sending these exhortations to the

church, the apostle bases them on the pro-

gressive development of the Christian ex-

perience as presented in the preceding chap-

ters.

"Since the believer has been justified by

faith in Christ and has been restored to a

position of love and trust as an adopted

son of God, he ought to lead a life of purity

and holiness that befits his new status. Paul

thus makes plain that the doctrine of righ-

teousness by faith and salvation by grace

does not encourage or permit lawlessness or

a careless disregard of God's command-

ments."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Rom.

12:1.

LESSON OUTLINE

Exhortations to Humility

and Unity

Rom. 12:3-5

Brotherly Love

Rom. 12:9, 10

Sympathy and Humility

Rom. 12:15, 16

Right Attitude Toward Enemies

Rom. 12:19-21

Christian's Attitude to Civil

Power

Rom. 13:1, 2

Render to Caesar

Rom. 13:5-7

❑

Sunday

May 28



Part 1



"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every

EXHORTATIONS man that is among you, not to think of himself more

TO HUMILITY highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, accord-

AND UNITY ing as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

For as we have many members in one body, and all

members have not the same office: so we, being many,

are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of



Rom. 12:3-5



another."

If a man thinks more highly of himself than he ought to

think, he is likely to despise the service to which God has

called him, and thus seek to undertake work which is beyond

his God-given ability. The plan of God will be marred and the

person humiliated, as the task is passed to more humble hands.

In Christ's church the surest way to honorable promotion is by

rendering prompt, earnest, humble service in the position to

which one has been called.

THINK IT THROUGH

What exhortation did Paul give the Roman Christians

in regard to exercising their God-given capabilities? Rom.

12:6-8.

"The Lord desires His chosen servants to learn how to unite

together in harmonious effort. It may seem to some that the

contrast between their gifts and the gifts of a fellow laborer

is too great to allow them to unite in harmonious effort; but

when they remember that there are varied minds to be reached,

and that some will reject the truth as it is presented by one

laborer, only to open their hearts to God's truth as it is pre-

sented in a different manner by another laborer, they will hope-

fully endeavor to labor together in

unity."—Testimonies,

Vol.

9, p. 145.

Is there danger that I might go to the other extreme

and discount my abilities? Did any Bible characters do

this? See Judges 6:15; 1 Sam. 9:21; 1 Kings 19:4.

Exhortations to Church Members

LESSON 10

"The forms of unbelief are varied,

for Satan watches every opportunity to

crowd in some of his attributes. There

is in the natural heart a tendency to be

exalted or puffed up if success attends

the efforts put forth. But self-exaltation

can find no place in the work of God.

Whatever your intelligence, however

earnestly and zealously you may labor,

unless you put away your own tenden-

cies to pride and submit to be guided

by the Spirit of God, you will be on

losing ground."—Ellen G. White Com-

ments, "SDA Bible Commentary," Vol.

6, p. 1080.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Education," page 253.

Exhortations to Church Members

LESSON 10



❑

Monday

May

Part 2



"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which

BROTHERLY LOVE is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned

one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring

Rom. 12:9, 10 one another."

When we truly love, there is no need for boasting.

have love, it will shine forth in the life. Actors represent char-

acters which are not their own without intending to deceive.

But in proportion to the excellence of their performance is

the degree of illusion in the person who beholds it. We should

be certain that we are not merely acting a part in the kindness

we show to men or in the reverence we show to God. We

should feel what we profess to feel. We should think as we

seem to think. Otherwise our lives will be little else than stage

play.

"The fact that we are under so great obligation to Christ

places us under the most sacred obligation to those whom He

died to redeem. We are to manifest toward them the same

sympathy, the same tender compassion and unselfish love, which

Christ has manifested toward us. Selfish ambition, desire for

supremacy, will die when Christ takes possession of the

affec-

tions."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 170.

What are some other attributes manifested by the

Christian? Rom. 12:1 1-13.

THINK IT THROUGH

"These admonitions have been strangely neglected. Even

among those who profess to be Christians true hospitality is

little exercised. Among our own people the opportunity of show-

ing hospitality is not regarded as it should be, as a privilege

and blessing. There is altogether too little •sociability, too little

of a disposition to make room for two or three more at the

family board without embarrassment or parade."—The

Ad-

ventist Home,

pages 445, 446.

In my church am I attempting to pass off counterfeit

love as the real thing? Do I conceal my lack of love by

hiding behind a mask of words that are supposed to

sound like love?

"As, long as we are in this world, we the very one who needs help the most.

must be linked one with another. Hu-



Thy brother, sick in spirit, needs you as

manity is interlaced and interwoven



you needed him. He needs the experi-

with humanity. As Christians we are ence of one who has been as weak as

members one of another. . . . The Lord



himself, who can sympathize with and

designs us as His sons and daughters,



help him. The very knowledge of his

whom He calls His friends, to help one own weakness helps that one to help

another. This is to be a part of our prac-



another in his weakness."—Ellen G.

tical Christian work.



White, "Our High Calling," page 184.

"'Who is my neighbor?' . . . He is

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 3, p. 361.

Exhortations to Church Members

LESSON 10

Part 3

SYMPATHY AND

HUMILITY

Rom. 12:15, 16

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Tuesday

May 30

"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with

them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another.

Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low

estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."

There are some who rejoice only over their own happiness,

who weep only over their own miseries. If they are in good

health, if they are doing well in business, if the world smiles

upon them, they are happy. If they are sick, or poor, or ignored,

they are miserable. A thoroughly selfish man grieves more over

an attack of dyspepsia or the loss of a twenty-dollar bill than

over much greater trouble that comes to another.

"Christ identified Himself with the necessities of His people.

Their needs and their sufferings were His. He says: 'I was

anhungered, and ye gave Me meat: . . . I was sick, and ye vis-

ited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.' God's servants

should have hearts of tender affection and sincere love for the

followers of

Christ."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 186.

How did Jesus identify Himself with those who re-

joiced and with those who wept? John 2:1-11; 11:35.

"Though He was the Son of God, yet He had taken human

nature upon Him, and He was moved by human sorrow. His

tender, pitying heart is ever awakened to sympathy by suffer-

ing. He weeps with those that weep, and rejoices with those

that rejoice."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 533.

What kind of a reputation should the Christian have

in his neighborhood? Romans 12:17.

The more shallow any person's nature is, the less

capacity it has for joy and grief; the finer and deeper

one's nature, the more sensitive it is to both. Do I expe-

rience deeper joy or grief than those who know not the

Lord? Does my heart vibrate in sympathy with human

gladness and sorrow?

"The Lord Jesus is our only helper.

Through His grace we shall learn to cul-

tivate love, to educate ourselves to

speak kindly and tenderly. Through His

grace our cold, harsh manners will be

transformed. The law of kindness will

be upon our lips, and those who are

under the precious influences of the

Holy Spirit, will not feel that it is an

evidence of weakness to weep with

those who weep, to rejoice with them

that rejoice. We are to cultivate heav-

enly excellences of character. We are

to learn what it means to have good-

will toward all men, a sincere desire to

be as sunshine and not as a shadow in

the lives of others."—Ellen G. White

Comments, "SDA Bible Commentary,"

Vol. 3, p.

1164.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"Testimonies," Vol.

p. 20.

Exhortations to Church Members

LESSON 10

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Wednesday

May 31

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather

give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is

Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine

enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for

in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be

not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

The common practice is to return evil for evil. "Give him as

good as he sends." "Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander."

"Be six to his half dozen." There are a score of proverbs which

suggest meeting evil with evil. But does any man dare to stand

before God on those terms?

"Give place unto wrath.

Literally, 'give place unto the wrath.'

The definite article before 'wrath' indicates that the reference

is to the wrath of God. . . . This interpretation is confirmed

by the following words, 'vengeance is Mine; I will repay.'

`Give place' means 'give room' for the avenging wrath of God

to work. Christians are never to attempt to seek revenge upon

those who treat them unjustly. They should leave the matter

with God."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Rom. 12:19.

What are we instructed about holding a grudge? Eph.

4:26.

"If impatient words are spoken to you, never reply in the

same spirit. Remember that 'a soft answer turneth away wrath.'

. And there is wonderful power in silence. Words spoken

in reply to one who is angry sometimes serve only to exasper-

ate. But anger met with silence, in a tender, forbearing spirit,

quickly dies away."—The

Ministry of Healing,

page 486.

What is the best tool for overthrowing evil? Rom.

12:21.

There are many evils in the world in reading, asso-

ciation, recreation, music, eating, and drinking. How

may Christians overcome these evils today most satis-

factorily?

Part 4

RIGHT ATTITUDE

TOWARD ENEMIES

Rom. 12:19-21

"There is not an impulse of our na-

ture, not a faculty of the mind or an

inclination of the heart, but needs to

be, moment by moment, under the con-

trol of the Spirit of God. There is not a

blessing which God bestows upon man,

nor a trial which He permits to befall

him, but Satan both can and will seize

upon it to tempt, to harass and destroy

the soul, if we give him the least ad-

vantage. Therefore however great one's

spiritual light, however much he may

enjoy of the divine favor and blessing,

he should ever walk humbly before the

Lord, pleading in faith that God will

direct every thought and control every

impulse."—"Patriarchs and Prophets,"

page 421.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Medical Ministry," pages 209, 210.

Exhortations to Church Members

LESSON 10



❑

Thursday

June 1



Part 5



"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For

CHRISTIAN'S there is no power but of God: the powers that be are

ATTITUDE TO ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the

CIVIL POWER power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that



Rom. 13:1, 2



resist shall receive to themselves damnation."

In no society or government will we find an ideal situation.

We must remember that the basis of society is mutual forbear-

ance and self-sacrifice for the common good. The apostle's

teaching shows that we are bound to render obedience on the

ground that government is an "ordinance of God."

"Let every man be obedient to the civil government under

which the providence of God has cast his lot.

For there is no

power but of God.

As God is the origin of power, and the

supreme Governor of the universe, He delegates authority to

whomsoever He will; and though in many cases the governor

himself

may not be

of God,

yet

civil government

is of Him;

for without this there could be no society, no security, no pri-

vate property; all would be confusion and anarchy, and the

habitable world would soon be depopulated."—Clarke's

Com-

mentary,

on Rom. 13:1.

THINK IT THROUGH

What frees the Christian from fear of the civil power?

Rom. 13:3, 4.

"In general, rulers are not to be dreaded except when wrong

is done. In actuality, of course, not all rulers belong to this

class, for many of them have persecuted the good; for example,

Nero, the Roman emperor at the time Paul wrote this epistle,

who was later responsible for Paul's martyrdom. Nevertheless,

it is generally true that those who are virtuous have nothing to

fear from civil authorities."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Rom.

13:3.

What should be the Christian's motive as he seeks to

be a good citizen? 1 Peter 2:13, 14.

Do I obey the civil powers from a sense of duty? Or

am I afraid of punishment? Am I strictly honest when

making up my income tax returns? What is my attitude

toward speed laws and traffic ordinances?

"David's power had been given him 'The powers that be are ordained of

by God, but to be exercised only in God,' . . . but we are not to obey them

harmony with the divine law. When he contrary to God's law."—"Patriarchs

commanded that which was contrary and Prophets," page 719.

to God's law, it became sin to obey.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 712.

Exhortations to Church Members

LESSON 10



❑

Friday

June 2

Part 6



"Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for

RENDER TO CAESAR wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay

ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending

continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all

their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom

Rom. 13:5-7 custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."

The Christian's subjection to civil authority is necessary

because it is a divine ordinance. It is also essential to the gen-

eral good. If society is to be effective, it must have laws and

people to enforce them.

"If public order is part of a divine purpose, it is an exceed-

ingly serious thing to set ourselves against it. It means that we

have willfully preferred our private aims to the well-being of

society; we have exalted our own preferences above the needs

of the collective whole. This kind of gratuitous individualism

is destructive of all the values which a community exists to

serve; and in a tradition where its virtues have been praised

and its dangers overlooked, it is well to ponder the seriousness

with which Paul regarded irresponsible opposition to the state."

—The Interpreter's Bible,

Vol. 9, p. 602.

THINK IT THROUGH

How did Jesus emphasize this same principle? Matt.

22:15-21.

When only is the Christian to disobey the law of the

state? Acts 5:29.

"When the laws of men conflict with the word and law of

God, we are to obey the latter, whatever the consequences may

be. The law of our land requiring us to deliver a slave to his

master, we are not to obey; and we must abide the consequences

of violating this

law."—Testimonies,

Vol. 1, pp. 201, 202.

Before the return of Jesus, what issue will confront the

Christian and serve to divide the world into groups, one

to receive the seal of God, the other the mark of the

beast?

"The Saviour's words, 'Render . . .

unto God the things that are God's,'

were a severe rebuke to the intriguing

Jews. Had they faithfully fulfilled their

obligations to God, they would not have

become a broken nation, 'subject to a

foreign power....

"He had rebuked their hypocrisy and

presumption, and in doing this He had

stated a great principle, a principle that

clearly defines the limits of man's duty

to the civil government and his duty to

God. In many minds a vexed question

had been settled. Ever after they held

to the right principle."—"The Desire of

Ages," pages 602, 603.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"The Acts of the Apostles," page 69.

Exhortations to Church Members

LESSON 10



June

Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER

True or False: There is in the natural heart a tendency to be exalted or

puffed up if success attends one's efforts.



When we are under great obligation to Christ, what will be our attitude

toward those for whom He has died



Complete: "Mind not high things, but condescend to men of



Be not



in your own conceits."

True or False: The person who represses the desire for revenge and returns

evil with kindness gains a victory over himself and over the powers of evil.

Complete: "Whosoever therefore resisteth the



, resisteth the

ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves



Multiple choice: Our attitude to the state is to be guided by

(a)

commu-

nity sentiment

(b)

the precepts of the Bible

(c)

whether or not we feel the

right political party is in office

(d)

whether or not our interests are affected.

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LESSON 11

June 4-10

LOVE AND TOLERANCE IN THE

LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN 11

"Ye owe to your fellow brethren

nothing but mutual love, and this

is what the law of God requires,

and this is the law fulfilled."

Adam Clarke.

"For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved

of men." Rom. 14:18.

"Paul's statements in Rom. 14 have been

variously interpreted, and have been used

by some: (1) to disparage a vegetarian diet,

(2) to abolish the distinction between clean

and unclean meats, and (3) to remove all

distinction between days, thus abolishing

the seventh-day Sabbath. That Paul is do-

ing none of these three becomes evident

when this chapter is studied in the light of

certain religious and related problems that

troubled some of the 1st-century Christians.

"Paul mentions various problems that are

an occasion of misunderstanding between

brethren: (1) those relating to diet (v. 2),

and (2) those relating to the observance

of certain days (vs. 5, 6). In 1 Cor. 8 the

problem of the strong versus the weak

brother, as regards diet, is also dealt with.

The letter to the Corinthians was written

less than a year before that to the Romans.

It seems reasonable to conclude that in

1 Cor. 8 and Rom. 14 Paul is dealing with

essentially the same problem [foods sacri-

ficed to idols]. • • •

"That Paul does not teach or even imply

the abolition of the seventh-day Sabbath

has been recognized by such conservative

commentators, for example as Jamieson,

Fausset, and Brown."—SDA

Bible Com-

mentary,

on Rom. 14:1.

LESSON OUTLINE

Debt and the Christian

Rom. 13:8

Urgency of the Time

Rom. 13:11, 12

Need to Be Tolerant

Rom. 14:1-3

Respect the Convictions of

Others

Rom. 14:5, 6

The Christian's Influence

Rom. 14:7

No Stumbling Block

Rom. 14:14, 15

Love and Tolerance in the Life of the

LESSON 11



❑

Sunday

Christian



June 4

As private individuals we must accept responsibility for

goods and commodities we accept from others. We owe the

person working for us. It is not against this type of transaction

that the apostle warns, but against wanton debt and needless

obligation. Debt of this kind strikes a blow at love. There is

usually little affection lost between debtor and creditor.

"When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest,

but by love, they show the working of an influence that is

above every human influence. Where this oneness exists, it is

evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity,

that a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows that

there is power in the divine nature to withstand the superna-

tural agencies of evil, and that the grace of God subdues the

selfishness inherent in the natural heart."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 678.

To which commandment embracing all others does the

apostle point? Rom. 13:9.

"This obligation [love thy neighbor as thyself] is resting

upon all. All are required to labor to diminish the ills and mul-

tiply the blessings of their fellow

creatures."—Testinsonies,

Vol. 5, p. 606.

1).

In what way does Paul link love and the law? Rom.

13:10.

THINK IT THROUGH



How does the example of Jesus show us a better ideal

of service for God than the life of any recluse?

Part 1



"Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for

DEBT AND THE he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."

CHRISTIAN

Rom. 13:8

"The nature and scope of love is but

briefly indicated in the verses under

study; the important place it occupies in

Paul's thought, however, warrants a

glance at the development it receives

elsewhere in his teaching. Love as a

religious motive is never confused with

an emotional response to those who ap-

peal to our affections. If you are to 'love

your enemies,' the word must have

some connotation other than the ap-

preciative reaction which your friends

awaken within you. Love must mean

the settled will to seek the good of those

who come within the range of our influ-

ence, whatever may be their attitude

toward us. By the grace of God we will

treat even those who do us wrong in

the way which natural impulse would

teach us to treat only those to whom

we respond emotionally."—"The Inter-

preter's Bible," Vol. 9, pp. 607,608.

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 1 , p. 220.

Love and Tolerance in the Life of the

LESSON 11

Christian

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Monday

June 5

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time

to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer

than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day

is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness,

and let us put on the armor of light."

It is a sad fact that many professing Christians seem to be

asleep so far as their personal obligations and responsibilities to

others go. They are insensible to the sins and sorrows of those

around them. They say, "What is to be will be; the Lord's will

be done. Some will be saved, others will be lost." The nearer

we come to the return of our Lord, the more awake we should

be and the more zealous in advancing His cause on earth.

"The coming of the Lord is nearer than when we first be-

lieved. The great controversy is nearing its end. Every report

of calamity by sea or land is a testimony to the fact that the

end of all things is at hand. Wars and rumors of wars declare

it. Is there a Christian whose pulse does not beat with quickened

action as he anticipates the great events opening before us?"

—Evangelism,

page 219.

What will the Christian do before putting on the armor

of light? Rom. 13:12.

How is the Christian to walk? Rom. 13:13.

How may the Christian "put on" the Lord Jesus? Rom.

13:14.

Being wakened out of sleep (Rom. 13:11) is a term

which can be applied only to Christians. The unconverted

are dead in their trespasses and sins and require not an

awakening, but a resurrection. In what way may I be

asleep, and what can I do about it?

Part 2

URGENCY OF

THE TIME

Rom. 13:11, 12

"We must have a knowledge of the

Scriptures, that we may trace down the

lines of prophecy and . . . see that the

day is approaching, so that with in-

creased zeal and effort we may exhort

one another to faithfulness. . . . Give

up our faith? lose our confidence? be-

come impatient? No, no. We will not

think of such a thing. . . . See how the

specifications of the prophecies have

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Counsels on Health," page 579.

been [fulfilled] and are fulfilling. Let us

lift up our heads and rejoice, for our

redemption draweth nigh. It is nearer

than when we first believed. Shall we

not wait patiently, filled with courage

and faith? Shall we not make ready a

people to stand in the day of final

reckoning?"—Ellen G. White, "That I

May Know Him," page 348.

Love and Tolerance in the Life of the

LESSON.11



❑

Tuesday

Christian



June 6



Part 3



"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to

NEED TO BE doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat

TOLERANT all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not

him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not

him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God

Rom. 14:1-3 hath received him."

The so-called law of Moses was actually given by God. Many

of its features pointed forward to the death of Christ, when

type would meet antitype, and the endless round of rites and

ceremonies would lose their significance. It is not surprising

that some Jewish converts to Christianity objected to the elimi-

nation of these features of the law which had been in force for

fifteen centuries. To them it was a matter of conscience. And

the man who regards his conscience must be respected even

when he is wrong. The strong should not put a stumbling block

in the way of the weak. The problem of eating meats offered

to idols probably entered in here also, a decision that would

vitally affect the Gentile believers. In this passage, Paul is

pleading for toleration of one another. He also suggests a sur-

render of what strong Christians regarded as their "right" in

order not to cause weaker brothers to stumble.

What question did Paul ask concerning judging others?

Rom. 14:4.

"True Christians will not exult in exposing the faults and

deficiencies of others. They will turn away from vileness and

deformity, to fix the mind upon that which is attractive and

lovely. To the Christian every act of faultfinding, every word

of censure or condemnation, is

painful."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5,

p. 96.

What similar admonition did Jesus give? Matt. 7:1-3.



THINK IT THROUGH



When my brethren do things which I feel are wrong,

how do I respond? How do I react when they condemn

my practices? How only can peace between us be pre-

served?

"More and more we ought to recog-

nize that we are answerable to God—

and to God alone—both for the obliga-

tions which we accept and for those

which we repudiate. This might make

us more scrupulous in discharging the

duties of our discipleship, but it would

also make us more charitable in con-

ceding that our brother too is answer-

able to God alone. The secret of a

respectful tolerance of his practice is to

recognize that he does not stand or fall

at the bar of our judgment."—"The In-

terpreter's Bible," Vol. 9, p. 618.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"The Ministry of Healing," pages 489, 490.

Love and Tolerance in the Life of the

LESSON 11



❑

Wednesday

Christian



June 7

Part 4



"One man esteemeth one day above another: another

RESPECT THE esteemeth every clay alike. Let every man be fully per-

CONVICTIONS suaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, re-

OF OTHERS gardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the

day, to the Lord he cloth not regard it. He that eateth,

eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that

eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God

Rom. 14:5, 6 thanks."

There is no evidence that the apostle was here referring to

the seventh-day Sabbath. The whole discussion was in refer-

ence to observances that were distinctly Jewish. The Sabbath

was not in this classification, since it was instituted for all man-

kind at creation. Again Paul is pleading for tolerance. The

thought is that we should not try to rein up someone else and

expect him to follow the dictates of another's conscience.

"They climb upon the judgment seat, and as soon as they

see one of their brethren and sisters, they look to find some-

thing to criticize. This is one of the most effectual means of

becoming narrow-minded and of dwarfing spiritual growth.

God would have them step down from the judgment seat, for

He has never placed them

there."—Child Guidance,

page 429.

To what kind of "day" is Paul referring here? Lev.

•

16:29-31; 23:24, 39.

The first and seventh days of the Jewish Passover week were

to be "sabbaths." Fifty days later came the Feast of Weeks,

another "sabbath." Then the tenth day of the seventh month

was always to be a "sabbath." That these were not seventh-

day-of-the-week Sabbaths is evident from the fact that they

fell on the same day of the month each year. These ceremonial

"sabbaths" were still significant to the Jewish Christians, but

meant little or nothing to the Gentiles.

THINK IT THROUGH

What wise admonition did Paul give the Roman Chris-

tians? Rom. 14:5 (last part).

Is it best for me to remain silent when I am in the com-

pany of those who oppose the truth? What should be my

attitude toward my own children when they willfully

violate the commandments of God?



"It is right that you should both cher-



of an enlightened conscience, and your



ish integrity and be true to your sense



convictions of duty; but you should



of right. The straight path of duty



guard against bigotry and prejudice.



should be yours from choice. . . . You



Do not run into a pharisaical spirit."



should be firm in following the dictates



—"Testimonies," Vol. 4, pp. 62, 63.

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "The Desire of Ages ," page 550.

Part 5

THE CHRISTIAN'S

INFLUENCE

Rom. 14:7

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Thursday

June 8

"For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth

to himself."

God turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his

friends. A completely selfish man may appear very religious if

he goes to church, reads religious books, and now and then

makes a contribution to some worthy cause. But every con-

secrated Christian is a leavening element, placed in the world

to proclaim and extend the truth. As John Donne reminds us,

"No man is an island, entire of itself."

To whom do we live and die? What price has been

paid for all? Rom. 14:8, 9.

"Our life is not our own, never was, and never can be. The

question of importance to us is, Is our life interwoven with

that of Jesus? . . . We shall come into judgment for the very

atmosphere that surrounds the soul, for it is vital and is influ-

encing souls for good or evil."—Ellen G. White,

That I May

Know Him,

page 90.

In view of the price paid equally for everyone, what

pertinent questions does Paul ask? Rom. 14:10-13.

"The apostle presses home the great thought of the lesson

the third time—judge not; condemn not. . . . If we assume to

be judge, we put ourselves in the place of God, the only Judge

and Lawgiver. God forbid that we should thus do."—Milton

Charles Wilcox,

Studies in Romans,

pages 128, 129.

Does the thought of others occupy only a very small

place in my devotions? Do I thank God for my brethren?

Would Job's experience be mine if I prayed more for

others?

Love and Tolerance in the Life of the

LESSON 11

Christian

"Christ's servants are grieved as they

see true and false believers mingled

in the church. They long to do some-

thing to cleanse the church. Like the

servants of the householder, they are

ready to uproot the tares. But Christ

says to them, 'Nay; lest while ye

gather up the tares, ye root up also

the wheat with them. Let both grow to-

gether until the harvest.'

"Christ has plainly taught that those

who persist in open sin must be sep-

arated from the church, but He has not

committed to us the work of judging

character and motive. He knows our

nature too well to entrust this work to

us. Should we try to uproot from the

church those whom we suppose to be

spurious Christians, we should be sure

to make mistakes. Often we regard as

hopeless subjects the very ones whom

Christ is drawing to Himself."—"Christ's

Object Lessons," page 71.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Adventist Home," pages 33, 34.

Love and Tolerance in the Life of the

LESSON 11



❑

Friday

Christian



June



Part 6



"I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that

NO STUMBLING there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteem-

BLOCK eth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if

thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou

not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom



Rom. 14:14, 15



Christ died."

There are a number of practices which we should shun, not

because our conscience would condemn us if we followed them,

or because they would prove harmful in themselves, but be-

cause our example might be such as would mislead others. At

the same time we have no right to be conscience for another.

We can give the light to another, but we cannot decide what

he should do with it.

Paul is not referring to things which are morally wrong, but

to practices which may be debatable. To grieve a brother by

what one does is to sin against the law of love.

On what will Christian emphasis rest? Rom. 14:16-18.

THINK IT THROUGH

"Take heed lest by your example you place other souls in

peril. It is a terrible thing to lose our own soul, but to pursue

a course that will cause the loss of other souls is still more ter-

rible. That our influence should be a savor of death unto death

is a terrible thought, and yet it is possible. With what earnest-

ness, then, we should guard our thoughts, our words, our

habits, our dispositions. God calls for personal holiness. Only

by revealing the character of Christ can we cooperate with

Him in saving

souls."—Testimonies

to Ministers,

page 158.

What part must faith play in governing the life of the

believer? Rom. 14:22, 23.

Can I witness my brother doing things which I would

condemn in myself, and not be annoyed by it? Is there

danger that I may

so "broad-minded" that I tend to

ask: "Am I my brother's keeper?"

"Said the angel: 'Yea, thou art thy that man should be openhearted and

brother's keeper. Thou shouldest have



honest, without affectation, meek, hum-

a watchful care for thy brother, be in-



ble, with simplicity. This is the principle

terested for his welfare, and cherish a



of heaven; God ordered it so."—"Testi-

kind, loving spirit toward him. Press



monies," Vol. 1, pp. 113, 114.

together, press together.' God designed

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 191-195.

Answers: (1) The debt of love; (2) works, darkness, armor; (3) False; (4) persuaded, mind;

(5) he prayed for his friends; (6) True.

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LESSON 12

June 11-17

MERCY FOR THE GENTILES

"What the apostle prayed for the

Romans, in view of their contro-

versies, he prays for us, as for

them, in view of everything."

Handley C. G. Moule.

"Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him, all ye people." Rom. 15:11.

In the closing part of his letter Paul

touched on a number of topics. First he

reminded the Gentiles that they had every

right to shout and sing because of the won-

derful way in which the gospel had been

made available to them. They were not

second-rate Christians simply because they

had not been born Jews. Next Paul spoke

of his own work over the years, traveling

from one country to another, not shunning

the hardest parts, but, like David Living-

stone so many centuries later, willing to go

anywhere provided it was forward. Next

he touched upon his own plans for the fu,

ture. First would be a trip to Jerusalem to

carry contributions from the Gentile

churches for the poor saints at headquar-

ters. Next would come a journey to Spain,

but on the way he anticipated stopping off

in Rome and visiting the saints there. After

his ministry in Spain was completed, he

expected to return to Rome. (There is no

way of knowing whether he ever reached

Spain. Clement intimates that he did.)

Then followed a lengthy list of individuals

to whom Paul sent greetings, and he con-

cludes his epistle with a typical hymn

ascribing praise and glory to the Father who

had made all things possible.

LESSON OUTLINE

Reasons for Gentile Joy

Rom. 15:8-12

A Minister to the Gentiles

Rom. 15:14-16

Paul, a Pioneer Missionary

Rom. 15:20-24

Paul's Mission to Jerusalem

Rom. 15:25-30

Phebe, Priscilla, and Aquila

Rom. 16:1-4

Closing Salutation and

Committal

Rom. 16:20-27

Mercy for the Gentiles

LESSON 12



❑

Sunday

June II



Part 1



"Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the

REASONS FOR circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises

GENTILE JOY made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify

God for His mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will

confess to Thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto Thy

name. And again He saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His

people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and

laud Him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There

shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign



Rom. 15:8-12



over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust."

Babies are born selfish. Very small children develop strong

attachments to their toys and strongly object to sharing them

with others. The Jews' response to their extraordinary privileges

was to develop selfishness and exclusiveness. The idea ad-

vanced by Jesus that Gentiles might sit down in the kingdom

of God while the Jews would be thrust out, filled them with

rage.

t(*

THINK IT THROUGH

What trait of Jesus should the Christian especially

seek to emulate? Rom. 15:1-7.

"An example is more forceful than an exhortation; but even

more important than the example is the inspiration which en-

ables us to follow it. Paul finds both in Jesus Christ. The dis-

ciple can tell what he ought to do by remembering his Master."

—The Interpreter's Bible,

Vol. 9, p. 633.

What triple blessing was the Christian to enjoy through

the ministry of the Holy Spirit? Rom. 15:13.

Christ, who carried my burden, desires me to help

my neighbor carry his, that I may develep_a_Chrjstlike

character and at the same time demonstrate Christ's love

to my neighbor. In a practical way, how can I help my

neighbor carry his burden?



"No soul who believes in Christ,



character

Christian training, religious

though his faith may be weak, and his experience,—we are in debt to those



steps wavering as those of a little child,



less favored; and, so far as lies in our



is to be lightly esteemed. By all that has



power, we are to minister unto them."

given us advantage over another,—be —"The Desire of Ages," page 440.

it education and refinement, nobility of

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"Evangelism," page 578.

Mercy for the Gentiles

LESSON 12



❑

Monday

June l2

Part 2



"And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren,

A MINISTER TO that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowl-

THE GENTILES edge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless,

brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in

some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace

that is given to me of God, that I should be the minister

of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of

God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be accept-

Rom. 15:14-16 able, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."

Goodness and knowledge are not always combined in this

world, but both are found in Christ. These constitute the heart

and head of the_new man (Eph. 3:19; 4:24), and are to be

taken in

6r fullness. Paul's largehearted love is shown by

the terms he employs. He obviously delights in pointing to the

depth of experience the believer may enjoy in Christ.

How only may the believer experience this infilling

of goodness and knowledge? Eph. 3:17-21.

In what personal experience did Paul glory? Rom.

15:17-19.

"Truth in Christ and through Christ is measureless. The stu-

dent of Scripture looks, as it were, into a fountain that deepens

and broadens as he gazes into it depths. Not in this life shall

we comprehend the mystery of God's love in giving His Son

to be the propitiation for our sins. The work of our Redeemer

on this earth is and ever will be a subject that will put th the

stretch our highest imagination."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

pages 128, 129.

THINK IT THROUGH



Does the fact that I cannot preach like Paul excuse me

from any responsibility to make known to others what

has been done for me?

"In the very family, the neighbor-



health of body and of soul than does

hood, the town, where we live, there



a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a

is work for us to do as missionaries for



positive duty to resist melancholy, dis-

Christ. If we are Christians, this work



contented thoughts and feelings—as

will be our delight. No sooner is one



much a duty as it is to pray. If we are

converted than there is born within him



heaven-bound, how can we go as a

a desire to make known to others what band of mourners, groaning and com-

a precious friend he has found in



plaining all along the way to our Fath-

Jesus."—"The Desire of Ages," page er's house?"—"The Ministry of Heal-

141.



ing," page 251.

"Nothing tends more to promote

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 2, p. 319.

Part 3

PAUL, A PIONEER

MISSIONARY

Rom. 15:20-24

THINK IT THROUGH

❑

Tuesday

June 13

"Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not

where Christ was named, lest I should build upon an-

other man's foundation: but as it is written, To whom He

was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have

not heard shall understand. For which cause also I have

been much hindered from coming to you. But now having

no more place in these parts, and having a great desire

these many years to come unto you; whensoever I take

my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to

see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way

thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with

your company."

At the time when Paul was converted, he had already made

his mark in the world. As a member of the Sanhedrin, the

Jewish supreme court, he had taken a leading part in hunting

down, imprisoning, and even putting to death, members of

what was contemptuously called the sect of the Nazarenes.

When he changed sides and joined the army of the Lord, he

asked for no position of power in the church at Jerusalem. He

had one great purpose, to preach the gospel in the "regions

beyond." Here we see a marked similarity to the spirit that

later motivated David Livingstone. Like Paul, Livingstone re-

jected the idea that he settle down in some comfortable, well-

established mission and spend his life there. The great unknown

beckoned him. Both walked thousands of miles. Both died in

harness.

What experience inspired Paul to carry the gospel into

Europe? Acts 16:10.

"Paul defends his practice of preaching where Christ's name

was unknown by noting that the procedure was a fulfillment

of OT prediction."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Rom. 15:21.

After Jesus' work on earth was done, He could look

forward to satisfaction at seeing the travail of His soul.

May I do the same? On what conditions?

Mercy for the Gentiles

LESSON 12

"No man can succeed in the. service

of God unless his whole heart is in the

work and he counts all things but loss

for the excellency of the knowledge of

Christ. No man who makes any reserve

can be the disciple of Christ, much less

can he be Mira;E:borer."—"The Desire

of Ages," page 273.

"Our work is plainly laid down in

the Word of God. Christian is to be

united to Christian, church to church,

the human instrumentality cooperating

with the divine, every agency to be sub-

ordinated to the Holy Spirit, and all to

be combined in giving to the world the

good tidings of the grace of God."—

"Christian Service," page 14.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," page 373.

Mercy for the Gentiles

LESSON 12



❑

Wednesday

June 14

Part 4



"But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the

PAUL'S MISSION saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia

TO JERUSALEM to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which

are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their

debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made

partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to

minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I

have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit,

I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when

I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the bless-

ing of the gospel of Christ. Now I beseech you, brethren,

for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the

Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers

Rom. 15:25-30 to God for me."

THINK IT THROUGH

When the apostles in Jerusalem gave Paul and Barnabas

the right hand of fellowship and sent them out to preach the

gospel, they asked them always to remember the poor in Jeru-

salem, a thing Paul did faithfully. Gal. 2:10. Although many

of the Gentiles were poor, they gave willingly to this cause.

Paul asked the Roman believers to pray that this gift might

be accepted kindly by the Judean brethren.

Although Paul was a minister, what did he ask the

believers to do for him? Rom. 15:30-32. Compare 2 Thess.

3:2.

Paul was a mighty man of prayer. "Pray without ceasing,"

he admonished the Thessalonians. There can be no doubt but

that he carried out his own instruction.

"Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of re-

ceiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and

experience. . . . Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the

soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and

from our life, purity and holiness flow back to

God."—Steps to

Christ,

pages 97, 98.

Paul asked an interest in the prayers of the laity. Do

I remember regularly in prayer my pastor, conference

workers, and the missionaries on the front lines struggling

against almost overwhelming odds?

"I need the prayers of those I love,

While trav'ling o'er life's rugged way,

That I may true and faithful be,

And live for Jesus ev'ry day.

"I want my friends to pray for me,

To bear my tempted soul above,

And intercede with God for me;

I need the prayers of those I love."

—J.

Vaughan.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"Testimonies," Vol. 1 , p. 190.

Mercy for the Gentiles

LESSON 12



❑

Thursday

June 15



Part 5



"I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a ser-

PHEBE, PRISCILLA, vant of the church which is at Cenchrea: that ye receive

AND AQUILA her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her

in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath

been a succorer of many, and of myself also. Greet

Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have

for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not

only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gen-



Rom. 16:1-4



tiles."

It seems evident that Phebe, a Greek name that means

"bright, radiant," was the bearer of Paul's letter. She was

presumably fairly wealthy, and she was going to Rome on

private business. She was an active church member. The Greek

word translated "servant" is the same that is translated in some

other places as "deacon." This suggests that she may have been

a deaconess.

Priscilla and Aquila had apparently run grave risks for Paul's

sake. This is one of the few instances in the Bible in which the

woman's name is given first, indicating, perhaps, that she was

a person of great ability and that she may have done more for

the church than her husband.

What indicates Paul's intimate knowledge of the be-

lievers in Rome? Rom. 16:5-16.

"Here is a window in Paul's heart. He was apparently dis-

owned by his own kindred, yet, as the Lord had promised, he

had mothers, sisters, and brothers a hundredfold. What a con-

trast there is between the spirit of this chapter and that of the

mere disputant cr theologian, the stoic or monk!"—F. B. Meyer,

Through the Bible Day by Day,

pages 99, 100.

Against whom did Paul warn the church? Rom. 16:

17-19.



THINK IT THROUGH



How did Paul know so much about the Roman Chris-

tians? Has all of his correspondence been preserved in

the New Testament?

"Those who are fighting the battle



the soul. The true heart expression of

of life at great odds may be refreshed

and strengthened by little attentions has power to open the door

—

OrFearts

i_isllike sympathy, given in simplicity,

that need the simple, delicate touch of

which cost nothing. Kindly words simply

the spirit of Christ."—"Testimonies,"

spoken, little attentions simply be-

Vol. 9, p. 30.

stowed, will sweep away the clouds of

temptation and doubt that gather over

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"Testimonies," Vol. 6, pp. 343,344.

Mercy for the Gentiles

LESSON 12



❑

Friday

June 16



Part 6



"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your

CLOSING feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with

SALUTATION you. Amen. Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and

AND COMMITTAL Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius,

who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius

mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus

the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a

brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you

all. Amen. Now to Him that is of power to stablish you

according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus

Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which

was kept secret since the world began, but now is made

manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, accord-

ing to the commandment of the everlasting God, made

known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God

Rom. 16:20-27 only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen."

Of what coming deliverance did Paul remind the Ro-

man believers? Rom. 16:20. Compare Gen. 3:15.

"The church will yet see troublous times. She will prophesy

in sackcloth. But although she must meet heresies and persecu-

tions, although she must battle with the infidel and the apostate,

yet by the help of God she is bruising the head of Satan. . . .

"The gospel message does not win a single soul to Christ, or

make its way to a single heart, without wounding the head of

Satan. Whenever a captive is wrenched from his grasp, deliv-

ered from his oppression, the tyrant is

defeated."—Testimonies,

Vol. 4, pp. 594, 595.

Who had heard of the obedience of the Roman be-

lievers? Rom. 16:19.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why were some things hidden from the comprehension

of Christ's followers? John 16:12; Heb. 5:11, 12.

"Jesus longed to unfold the deep

mysteries of the truth which had been

hid for ages, that the Gentiles should be

fellow heirs with the Jews, and 'par-

takers of His promise in Christ by the

gospel.' Eph. 5:6. This truth the disci-

ples were slow to learn, and the divine

Teacher gave them lesson upon lesson."

—"The Desire of Ages," page 402.

"Therefore, to Him be glory for His

wisdom in devising this most admirable

plan; and His goodness in sending

Christ Jesus to execute it; to Him,

through Christ Jesus, be glory forever!

Because this plan is to last forever; it

is to have no issue but in eternal glory."

—Clarke's "Commentary" on Rom.

16:27.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "SDA

Bible Commentary," Vol. 6, p. 1107.

Mercy for the Gentiles

LESSON 12



June 17

Part 7

SUMMARY QUESTIONS *

TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER

Complete: "There shall be a root of



, and He that shall rise to

reign over the



; in Him shall the Gentiles



True or False: Goodness and knowledge are not always combined in this

world, but in Christ they are inseparable.



True or False: It was always a disappointment to Paul that he had not

had opportunity to settle down as pastor in some established center.



Complete: "Now I beseech you, brethren, . . . that ye

with me in your



for me."

together

Multiple choice: Paul's attitude toward women was that

(a)

they should

be housewives only,

(b)

they should hold the leading offices,

(c)

they should

be laborers together in the gospel,

(d)

they should work only outside the

church.



How is the bruising of Satan's head accomplished)



•

sajdoad Ije 2uotue Tadso2 arz; Jo peazds act; Aq

(9)

(s)

:port ‘szaAvid 'anpls

(ta)

!aqua

(s)

!anzy (z) :zsnal 'sapluao 'assaf (j) :szamsuv

100

LESSON 13

June 18-24

CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE

"As God is no respecter of per-

sons, all human creatures being

equally His offspring, ... there-

fore His endless mercy has

embraced all." Adam Clarke.

"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to

them who are the called according to His purpose." Rom. 8:28.



The foregoing lessons have shown that



be manifest in the lives of those who have



God is at work to save His people from



been justified unto salvation.

Satan's pitfalls as well as from their own

weaknesses.

The great work of redemption is revealed

LESSON OUTLINE

step by step in the book of Romans. The

first chapter reveals man in his lost condi-



tion with all his natural depravity. The



1. Forgetful and Unthankful



author goes on to show that everyone is



Rom. 1:18-21

under condemnation. Jesus is introduced as



the One who saves from sin and justifies



2. The Way of Escape



the sinner. Having accepted Him, the be-



Rom. 3:22-25

liever finds his sense of guilt and condemna-

tion gone.



3. Complete in Him



The question arises: Since this great sal-



Rom. 6;3-8

vation is freely offered, why are so many



lost? In Romans 9 to 11 the apostle ex-



4. Now No Condemnation



amines God's dealings with men and vindi-



Rom. 8:1-3, 14

cates them. In view of the fact that "who-



soever calleth upon the name of the Lord



5. Transformation of Life



shall be saved," any failure on the part of



Rom. 12:4, 5

the individual to believe results in self-



inflicted condemnation. The last chapters



6. Love and Tolerance



point out the Christian virtues which will



Rom. 14:4, 13; 15:1, 4

101

Called According to His Purpose

LESSON 13



❑

Sunday

June 18



Part 1



"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against

FORGETFUL AND all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the

UNTHANKFUL truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be

known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed

it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the crea-

tion of the world are clearly seen, being understood by

the things that are made, even His eternal power and

Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that,

when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God,

neither were thankful; but became vain in their imagina-



Rom. 1:18-21



tions, and their foolish heart was darkened."

"Those who have a true knowledge of God will not become

so infatuated with the laws of matter or the operations of

nature as to overlook, or refuse to acknowledge, the continual

working of God in nature. Nature is not God, nor was it ever

God. The voice of nature testifies of God, but nature is not

God. As His created work, it simply bears a testimony to God's

power."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6, p. 1068.

THINK IT THROUGH

How widespread had man's departure from God be-

come? Rom. 3:10-12.

"The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies

for depraving the souls of men had been put in operation. The

Son of God, looking upon the world, beheld suffering and mis-

ery. With pity He saw how men had become victims of satanic

cruelty. He looked with compassion upon those who were

being corrupted, murdered, and lost. They had chosen a ruler

who chained them to his car as captives. Bewildered and de-

ceived, they were moving on in gloomy procession toward

eternal ruin,—to death in which is no hope of life, toward

night to which comes no morning."—The

Desire of Ages,

page

36.

Since Jews and Gentiles alike had sinned, for what

deliverance might both look? Rom. 3:23, 30.

Prior to the first advent of Christ, was salvation con-

fined to the Jews only? What can I do to show that I

believe the glad tidings of the gospel are to go to all

nations?

"But the command, 'Go ye into all the 'regions beyond.' "—"The Desire of

the world,' is not to be lost sight of.



Ages," page 823.

We are called upon to lift our eyes to

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Child Guidance," page 440.

102

Called According to His Purpose

LESSON 13



❑

Monday

June

Part 2



"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of

THE WAY OF Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for

ESCAPE there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short

of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom

God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in

His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission

Rom. 3:22-25 of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God."

"Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to

promise pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith

whereby salvation is merited, but because faith can lay hold

of the merits of Christ, the remedy provided for sin. Faith can

present Christ's perfect obedience instead of the sinner's trans-

gression and defection. When the sinner believes that Christ is

his personal Saviour, then according to His unfailing promises,

God pardons his sin and justifies him freely. The repentant

soul realizes that his justification comes because Christ, as his

substitute and surety, has died for him, is his atonement and

righteousness."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Com-

mentary,

Vol. 6, p. 1073.

"Justification is God's own bridge which stretches across the

pit of iniquity and leads to our heavenly home. The word tells

us that God is the architect of the bridge, that He fashioned

it through grace, and its cornerstone is redemption through

the blood of Christ, and that its approach is by faith alone."

—Chas. J. Woodbridge,

Secrets of Godly Living,

page 73.

How long does it take God to justify the sinner? Luke

23:39-43.

THINK IT THROUGH

"The thief asked in faith, in penitence, in contrition. He

asked in earnestness, as if he fully realized that Jesus could

save him if He would. And the hope in his voice was mingled

with anguish as he realized that if He did not, he would be

lost, eternally lost. He cast his helpless, dying soul and body

on Jesus Christ."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Com-

mentary,

Vol. 5, p. 1125.

have been justified once, do I need to be justified

again? What does God do in this process? What is my

part?



"The righteousness by which we are



The first is our title to heaven, the sec-



justified is imputed; the righteousness



and is our fitness for heaven."—"Mes-

by which we are sanctified is imparted. sages to Young People," page 35.

FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 397, 398.

103

Called According to His Purpose

LESSON 13



❑

Tuesday

June 20

Part 3



"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized

COMPLETE IN HIM into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? There-

fore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that

like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory

of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness

of life. For if we have been planted together in the like-

ness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His

resurrection. . . . For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall

Rom. 6:3-8 also live with Him."

110

THINK IT THROUGH

Such expressions as "dead to sin" and "alive to God," having

"Christ in you" and "you in Christ," are frequently found in

the epistles of Paul. The thought is that Christ must have full

control of the believer.

"The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and

vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must

be enthroned within."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 494.

What comes into the heart of the justified sinner?

Rom. 5:1, 11.

What threefold step is illustrated by baptism? Gal.

2:20; Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:4.

The crucifixion of self comes first. Then comes the burial in

the precious blood of Jesus, who "hath loved us, and washed

us from our sins in His own blood." Rev. 1:5. This is followed

by the resurrection, as the Christian rises to walk in newness of

life.

Now and then we hear of someone who was literally

"buried alive." Is there any danger that someone may

be buried in baptism who is not really dead to sin?

"When the soul surrenders itself to

Christ, a new power takes possession of

the new heart. A change is wrought

which man can never accomplish for

himself. It is a supernatural work,

bringing a supernatural element into

human nature. The soul that is yielded

to Christ becomes His own fortress,

which He holds in a revolted world,

and He intends that no authority shall

be known in it but His own. A soul

thus kept in possession by the heavenly

agencies is impregnable to the assaults

of Satan."—"The Desire of Ages," page

324.

FOR

FURTHER STUDY:

"Evangelism," pages 273, 307.

104

Called According to His Purpose

LESSON 13



❑

Wednesday

June 21



Part 4



"There is therefore now no condemnation to them

NOW NO which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,

CONDEMNATION but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in

Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and

death. For what the law could not do, in that it was

weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the

likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the

flesh."

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are

Rom. 8:1-3, 14 the sons of God."

In the latter part of the seventh chapter of Romans, Paul

presents a rather hopeless outlook. No matter how much he

desired to do the will of God, he found need for a power out-

side himself to carry out those desires. He found the answer!

To his despairing cry, "Who shall deliver me?" come the

reassuring words, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Rom. 7:24, 25. The delivered saint loses his sense of condemna-

tion and becomes a son of God on one condition: that he sub-

merge his will and accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

"We may go to Jesus and be cleansed, and stand before the

law without shame and remorse. 'There is therefore now no

condemnation.' ...

"Through Jesus the fallen sons of Adam become 'sons of

God.' ... The Christian's life should be one of faith, of victory,

and joy in God. 'Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the

world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even

our faith.' . . . Truly spoke God's servant Nehemiah: 'The

joy

of the Lord is your strength.'

"—The Great Controversy,

page

477.

Through whom does Christian freedom come? John

8:36.

What brings condemnation? John 3:19.



THINK IT THROUGH



There is no feeling in a corpse. Do I lack a feeling of

condemnation because I am dead in sin, or because I

am dead to sin?

"The expulsion of sin is the act of the powers of the soul are imbued with

the soul itself. True, we have no power the divine energy of the Holy Spirit,

to free ourselves from Satan's control;



and they obey the dictates of the will

but when we desire to be set free from



in fulfilling the will of God."—"The De-

sin,

and in our great need cry out for sire of Ages," page 466.

a power out of and above ourselves,

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 2, p. 170.

105

Called According to His Purpose

LESSON 13



❑

Thursday

June

Part 5



"For as we have many members in one body, and all

TRANSFORMATION members have not the same office: so we, being many,

OF LIFE are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of

Rom. 12:4, 5 another."

While the spirit of independence, of strife for supremacy, and

of disorganization is seen everywhere, God's church is to be

different, characterized by its unity and its perfect oneness in

Christ.

"The world is filled with strife for the supremacy. The

spirit of pulling away from fellow-laborers, the spirit of dis-

organization, is in the very air we breathe. By some, all efforts

to establish order are regarded as dangerous,—as a restriction

of personal liberty, and hence to be feared as popery. These de-

ceived souls regard it a virtue to boast of their freedom to

think and act independently. They declare . . . that they are

amenable to no man. I have been instructed that it is Satan's

special effort to lead men to feel that God is pleased to have

them choose their own course, independent of the counsel of

their brethren."—Gospel

Workers,

page 486.

"The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does

not destroy the personality of either. . . . By partaking of the

Spirit of God, conforming to the law of God, man becomes

a partaker of the divine nature. Christ brings His disciples into

a living union with Himself and with the Father."—Ellen G.

White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol.

p. 1148.

What will unity in the church show to the world? John

17:21, 23.

THINK IT THROUGH

What was the condition of the disciples when the Holy

Spirit fell on them on the day of Pentecost? Acts

2:1.

"The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness

to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that

would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all

desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian

fellowship."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 37.

"'The keys of the kingdom of heaven' are the words

of Christ."—"The Desire of Ages," page 413. Am I willing

to allow His words to be the final authority in my life?

"On the church has been conferred that is in accordance with the directions

the power to act in Christ's stead. It is



given in God's Word, will be ratified

God's instrumentality for the preserve- in heaven."—"Gospel Workers," pages

tion of order and discipline among His 501, 502.

people. . . . Whatever the church does

FOR FURTHER

STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 4, p. 16.

106

❑

Friday

June



Part 6



"Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?

LOVE AND to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be

TOLERANCE holden up: for God is able to make him stand."



Rom. 14:4, 13;



"Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but

judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or

an occasion to fall in his brother's way."

"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities

of the weak, and not to please ourselves."

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were

written for our learning, that we through patience and

15:1, 4 comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

The light of truth has been given to God's remnant people.

He has also bestowed the fullness of His love upon those who

keep His commandments. He asks us in turn to manifest this

same love in our dealings with one another. We are not to be

critical of or judge one another.

THINK IT THROUGH

What law of life should temper our judgment of

others? Luke 6:37, 38.

What is one way to avoid being judged by another?

1 Cor. 11:31.

"Jesus said, 'judge not, that ye be not judged.' That is, do

not set yourself up as a standard. Do not make your opinions,

your views of duty, your interpretations of Scripture, a criterion

for others and in your heart condemn them if they do not

come up to your ideal. Do not criticize others, conjecturing as

to their motives and passing judgment upon

them."—Thoughts

From the Mount of Blessing,

page 124.

In apostolic times believers were united in doctrine,

in fellowship, and in love for one another. Why is it not

experienced more often today?

Called According to His Purpose

LESSON 13

"Give the erring one no occasion for

discouragement. Suffer not a Pharisai-

cal hardness to come in and hurt your

brother. . . . If you speak a word of

your own, if you take an attitude of

indifference, or show suspicion or dis-

trust, it may prove the ruin of a soul.

He needs a brother with the Elder Broth-

er's heart of sympathy to touch his heart

of humanity. Let him feel the strong

clasp of a sympathizing hand, and hear

the whisper, Let us pray. God will give

a rich experience to you both. Prayer

unites us with one another and with

God."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page

250.

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

"Testimonies," Vol. 2, pp. 87, 552.

107

Called According to His Purpose

LESSON 13



June 24

Part 7

SUMMARY QUESTIONS

TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER

True or False: Nature is not God, nor was it ever God. The voice of nature

testifies of God.



Complete: "For

of God."

have



and come short of the

Complete: "Know ye not, that so many of us as. were



into

were



into His death?"

Complete: "For as many as are

the



of God."

by the



of God, they are

True or False: The unity that exists between Christ and His followers

tends to destroy human personality.



True or False: God will give a rich experience to the one who sympathizes

with a brother and prays for him even when he is in



the wrong.



•

ani,/, (9) :asisa (9) :suns

‘;!lids



(t) :pazRdeq `;sp./0 snsaf TazRdeq (g) :Sacq2 `pauuls



(z)



(I) :saantsuv

108

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Than a Jigsaw Puzzle

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puzzles of the Christian life in a contemporary society.

A devotional book of thought-provoking essays, excel-

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A CROWN Paperback, $1.85

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AT YOUR BOOK AND

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6.1 Now Look at Crcation and Evo

A thoroughly modern,

up-to-date examination

of the various phenomena

of nature, including geol-

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and their bearing on the

question of creation and

evolution.

a search

for

meaning



r(I

Richard M. Ritland

Thirteenth Sabbath Overflow Offering

North American Division

June 24, 1972

It is normal for each world division to receive an overflow offer-

ing about every three years. An exception to this rule always is the

North American Division. The last offering scheduled there was

eight years ago, the second quarter of 1964. We just don't think of

North America as a mission field because it is the source of a large

percentage of denominational funds. However, there are groups

of people in North America who very much need the material bene-

fits money can buy as a means of spreading the gospel and hasten-

ing Jesus' return.

The Thirteenth Sabbath Overflow Offering will be divided three

ways:

(1)

To give assistance to the medical work of the young clinic

at Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Canada.

(2)

To build a boys' dormitory for Pine Forge Academy, Penn-

sylvania, one of two boarding academies for the denomina-

tion's black youth in North America.

(3)

To supply urgently needed equipment for vocational and

industrial training at our North American Indian school in

Holbrook, Arizona.

This clinic and these schools will give you special thanks as you

give liberally this Thirteenth Sabbath.

Lessons for the Third Quarter of 1972

Sabbath School members who have not received an adult

Lesson Quarterly

for the third quarter of 1972 will be helped

by the following outline in studying for the first lesson. The

title of the series is "Christ and the Sabbath." The title of the

first lesson is "Christ's Sign." The memory verse is Exodus

1:13.

The outline is as follows: (1) Christ the Creator. John

1:10; (2) Creator Existent From Eternity. John 1:1,

14;

(3) Redemption Is Re-creation. 2 Cor. 5:17, RSV; (4) A Pre-

determined Plan. 2 Tim. 1:9; (5) A Sign of the Creator. Ex.

31:15-17; (6) A Sign of the Saviour. Eze. 20:12.

Litho in U.S.A.

Alaska Mission

Northwest Territory

North Dakota

Minnesotn

Northern

Montana

Church



Sab. Sch.

Union



Population Churches Memb. Members

Atlantic



32,943,699



261



34,845



33,630

Canadian



21,747,100



186



19,349



18,865

Central



11330,547



286



29,224



25,068

Columbia



40,976,000



459



54,633



51,298

Lake



31,433,872



437



46,371



40,327

Northern



7,840,497



197



12,763



11,487

North Pacific



6,990,735



320



48,384



44,125

Pacific



24,199,838 446 108,525 92,279

Southern



31,190,585



509



59,817



52,295

Southwestern



21,203,707



305



27,206



22,023

Division Totals



229,856,580



3,406



441,117



391,397

Medical Clinic

Yellow Knife

British Columbia

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Labrador Labrador

Canadian Union

Quebec

ashingMn

North Pacific

wiseensin

Illinois Ind

iana

Michigan

Vocational Equipment

Holbrook Indian Schaal

Hawaiian Mission

(Pacific

Union)

gaming

SouM Dakota

Nebra

Central

Union



Colorad

°"*"" Arkante,

Southwestern

New

Union

Means

tqAtantic

Union

enrsylsonia

con

Columbia •

Union r

wear

hie

Vir

Vi ima

South Carolina



—

Bermuda



(Atlantic Linionf,f4